CVE-2024-38019 Overview
CVE-2024-38019 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Performance Data Helper (PDH) library. The flaw is tracked under [CWE-190] Integer Overflow or Wraparound and affects a broad range of Windows client and server releases. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can trigger the condition over the network to run arbitrary code in the context of the vulnerable process.
The issue impacts all currently supported Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server builds, along with legacy Server 2008 and Server 2012 systems. Microsoft addressed the flaw in its July 2024 Patch Tuesday update cycle.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker with valid high-privilege credentials to execute arbitrary code on the target host, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- Microsoft Windows 10 (1507, 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2)
- Microsoft Windows 11 (21H2, 22H2, 23H2)
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2022 23H2
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-07-09 - CVE-2024-38019 published to NVD and addressed in Microsoft's July 2024 security update
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-38019
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Windows Performance Data Helper (PDH) library, which provides an API for consuming performance counter data from local and remote systems. Applications and services use PDH to collect telemetry through Performance Counters, WMI, and related interfaces.
Because PDH is reachable through network-facing performance data queries, an attacker who already possesses valid high-privilege credentials can supply crafted counter data that triggers the flaw. Exploitation results in arbitrary code execution in the process consuming the counter data.
Root Cause
The root cause is an integer overflow condition [CWE-190] in PDH's handling of counter data structures. When an untrusted length or count value is used in a size calculation, the arithmetic wraps around and produces an undersized allocation. Subsequent writes then exceed the allocated buffer, corrupting adjacent memory and enabling code execution.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based but requires the attacker to hold high privileges on the target or an adjacent system. A typical scenario involves a compromised account with rights to query performance counters remotely, then sending manipulated counter data that triggers the overflow in the collecting process. No user interaction is required.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2024-38019, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. See the Microsoft Security Update CVE-2024-38019 advisory for vendor detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-38019
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or restarts of processes that load pdh.dll, including monitoring agents and management services.
- Anomalous remote performance counter queries from accounts that do not normally perform monitoring tasks.
- New child processes spawned from services that host PDH consumers such as WMI or performance monitoring tools.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for suspicious loads of pdh.dll in processes not associated with legitimate monitoring workflows.
- Correlate authentication events for privileged accounts with subsequent remote performance counter or WMI queries.
- Alert on process crashes with exception codes indicative of heap corruption originating in PDH.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Windows Security and Sysmon logging for process creation, image loads, and remote WMI activity, and forward events to a centralized SIEM.
- Review privileged account usage regularly and enforce just-in-time administration to limit exposure of high-privilege credentials.
- Baseline legitimate performance counter collectors so that unexpected callers stand out.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-38019
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the July 2024 Microsoft security updates to all affected Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems.
- Inventory endpoints and servers running unsupported builds such as Windows Server 2008 and 2012 and prioritize them for patching or isolation.
- Rotate credentials for accounts with privileged access to performance counter and WMI interfaces.
Patch Information
Microsoft released fixes for CVE-2024-38019 as part of its July 2024 security update cycle. Refer to the Microsoft Security Update CVE-2024-38019 advisory for the specific KB articles that apply to each Windows version and installation channel.
Workarounds
- Restrict remote access to performance counter and WMI interfaces at the network layer, allowing only trusted management hosts.
- Enforce the principle of least privilege so that fewer accounts hold the elevated rights required to reach the vulnerable code path.
- Segment monitoring infrastructure away from general-purpose user networks to reduce the attack surface for authenticated remote exploitation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
