CVE-2024-29988: Windows 10 1809 SmartScreen Bypass Flaw

CVE-2024-29988 Overview

The CVE-2024-29988 vulnerability, identified as a SmartScreen Prompt Security Feature Bypass, affects several versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well as Windows Server editions. This high-severity vulnerability received a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating its critical nature due to the potential for complete system compromise.

Critical Impact

Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass security prompts, leading to unauthorized system access and potential data exfiltration.

Affected Products

• Microsoft Windows 10 21H2
• Microsoft Windows 11 22H2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2022

Discovery Timeline

• Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
• Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Microsoft
• Not Available - CVE-2024-29988 assigned
• Not Available - Microsoft releases security patch
• 2024-04-09 - CVE-2024-29988 published to NVD
• 2025-10-28 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-29988

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from improper handling of security prompts in Microsoft Windows SmartScreen, allowing attackers to bypass confirmation dialogs designed to prevent the execution of malicious software. This could lead to unauthorized code execution under certain conditions.

Root Cause

The root cause is linked to inadequate validation of user interactions with security prompts, enabling threat actors to exploit this bypass mechanism.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability is exploitable over a network, particularly using social engineering tactics to deceive users into executing harmful files.

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
Start-Process "cmd.exe" -ArgumentList "/c malicious-script.ps1"

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-29988

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected file executions
• Unusual network activity
• Unauthorized script executions

Detection Strategies

Deploy behavior analysis techniques to monitor for anomalous interactions with SmartScreen prompts and track suspicious file executions. Utilize endpoint detection tools to identify and respond to bypass attempts dynamically.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement continuous monitoring of system logs and SmartScreen prompt interactions, focusing on deviations from normal user behavior patterns.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-29988

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all affected systems with the latest security patches
• Enhance user awareness against phishing attacks
• Deploy advanced endpoint protection solutions, such as SentinelOne, to prevent unauthorized bypass attempts

Patch Information

Patches are available via Microsoft’s Update Catalog and can be accessed through the official Microsoft Security Response Center advisory.

Workarounds

At this time, applying available patches is the recommended mitigation strategy. Ensure consistent user education to recognize and avoid phishing attempts that could exploit this vulnerability.

# Configuration example
Configure Group Policy to enforce stricter SmartScreen settings:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" -Name "EnableSmartScreen" -Value 1 -Type DWORD