CVE-2024-21302 Overview
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows-based systems supporting Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), including a subset of Azure Virtual Machine SKUs. This vulnerability enables an attacker with administrator privileges to replace current versions of Windows system files with outdated versions, potentially reintroducing previously mitigated vulnerabilities, circumventing VBS features, and exfiltrating data protected by VBS.
Critical Impact
Allows attacker to gain elevated privileges potentially leading to data exfiltration or system compromise.
Affected Products
- Microsoft Windows 10 1507
- Microsoft Windows 10 1607
- Microsoft Windows 10 1809
Discovery Timeline
- Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Unknown
- Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Microsoft
- Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-21302 assigned
- 2025-07-08 - Microsoft releases security patch
- 2024-08-08 - CVE CVE-2024-21302 published to NVD
- 2025-07-10 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-21302
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an elevation of privilege issue within Windows systems supporting VBS. Attackers with administrator access can replace current Windows system files with outdated versions, thereby reactivating prior vulnerabilities.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper authorization management, allowing administrator access to critical system files without adequate version control or integrity checks.
Attack Vector
Local attackers with administrative privileges on the target system.
# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
Copy-Item -Path "C:\Windows\System32\old_version_file.dll" -Destination "C:\Windows\System32\vulnerable_file.dll" -Force
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-21302
Indicators of Compromise
- Presence of outdated DLL versions in C:\Windows\System32
- Unexplained changes in file hashes of Windows core libraries
- Logs showing file replacement activities
Detection Strategies
Monitor system file integrity regularly by comparing hash values against known-good baselines. Implement change detection systems to alert on unauthorized file modifications.
Monitoring Recommendations
Enable advanced logging to detect file system changes. Use SentinelOne's behavioral analysis to monitor and alert on suspicious activities indicating file tampering.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-21302
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply Microsoft security updates available in KB5042562 immediately.
- Implement strict access controls to limit administrative privileges.
- Regularly audit and monitor file integrity of system components.
Patch Information
Microsoft has released patches that address the vulnerability across various Windows versions. Refer to Microsoft's Advisory for detailed patch deployment instructions.
Workarounds
Configure group policies to prevent unauthorized rollback of virtualization-based security settings.
# Configuration example
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Restricted
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
