CVE-2024-38044 Overview
CVE-2024-38044 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server Service. Microsoft published the advisory on July 9, 2024. The flaw allows an authenticated attacker with administrative privileges on the DHCP server role to execute arbitrary code within the service context. The underlying weaknesses map to Numeric Truncation Error [CWE-197] and Incorrect Conversion between Numeric Types [CWE-681]. The vulnerability affects all currently supported Windows Server releases running the DHCP Server role.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants remote code execution in the DHCP Server Service, enabling attackers to compromise network address assignment infrastructure and pivot across Windows domains.
Affected Products
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022 23H2
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-07-09 - CVE-2024-38044 published to NVD alongside Microsoft's July 2024 Patch Tuesday advisory
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-38044
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Windows DHCP Server Service, the component responsible for issuing IP addresses and network configuration to clients. Attackers with high privileges on the DHCP server can trigger the flaw over the network without user interaction. Successful exploitation results in code execution within the DHCP service process, which typically runs with elevated privileges on Windows Server hosts. Because DHCP servers are frequently domain-joined and often colocated with Active Directory infrastructure, compromise of the service creates a strong foothold for lateral movement.
Root Cause
The defect combines a numeric truncation error [CWE-197] with an incorrect conversion between numeric types [CWE-681]. When the DHCP Server Service processes specific inputs, values are cast between integer types of differing widths without adequate bounds validation. The resulting truncated or misinterpreted value drives downstream memory operations, allowing an attacker to influence control flow inside the service.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires high privileges on the target. An attacker with administrative access to the DHCP Server role sends crafted requests or configuration data to the service. Exploitation does not require user interaction and preserves the current security scope, but it can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host. No public proof-of-concept, exploit code, or CISA KEV entry is associated with this identifier at the time of writing.
Microsoft has not released technical details that would allow reproduction. Refer to the Microsoft Security Vulnerability CVE-2024-38044 advisory for authoritative guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-38044
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or restarts of the DHCPServer service (svchost.exe hosting dhcpssvc.dll) recorded in the System event log.
- Anomalous child processes spawned by the DHCP Server Service process, particularly command interpreters or scripting hosts.
- Configuration changes to DHCP scopes, reservations, or policies that do not correspond to authorized administrative activity.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Windows Event Log channels Microsoft-Windows-Dhcp-Server/Operational and Microsoft-Windows-Dhcp-Server/AdminEvents for abnormal error codes, service faults, or repeated configuration writes.
- Alert on process lineage where svchost.exe hosting the DHCP service creates non-standard children or loads unsigned modules.
- Correlate DHCP administrative RPC calls with the account, source host, and time-of-day baselines for the DHCP server role.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Restrict and audit membership of the DHCP Administrators and local Administrators groups on servers running the DHCP role.
- Ingest DHCP server telemetry, security logs, and process events into a centralized analytics platform for cross-host correlation.
- Baseline outbound network connections from DHCP servers and alert on deviations that could indicate post-exploitation command-and-control.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-38044
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the July 2024 Microsoft security updates to every Windows Server host running the DHCP Server role.
- Inventory all DHCP servers across the estate, including secondary and failover partners, and confirm patch status.
- Rotate credentials for accounts that hold administrative rights on DHCP servers if compromise is suspected.
Patch Information
Microsoft addressed CVE-2024-38044 in the July 2024 Patch Tuesday release. Cumulative updates are available for Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2022 23H2. Consult the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory for the specific KB article that corresponds to each supported build.
Workarounds
- Limit DHCP administrative privileges to a minimal, audited set of accounts and enforce multi-factor authentication for those users.
- Segment DHCP servers on management VLANs that restrict RPC and DHCP management traffic to trusted administrative hosts.
- Where the DHCP role is unused, stop and disable the DHCPServer service until patching can be completed.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
