CVE-2024-38116 Overview
CVE-2024-38116 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the Windows IP Routing Management Snapin. Microsoft disclosed the flaw as part of its August 2024 security update cycle. The weakness is tracked under CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and affects a broad range of Windows client and server releases, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2008 through 2022.
An authenticated attacker with low privileges can exploit the flaw over the network to execute arbitrary code in the context of the vulnerable service. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the target host.
Critical Impact
A low-privileged, network-adjacent attacker can achieve remote code execution across supported Windows client and server versions by exploiting a heap-based memory corruption in the IP Routing Management Snapin.
Affected Products
- Microsoft Windows 10 (versions 1507, 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2)
- Microsoft Windows 11 (versions 21H2, 22H2, 23H2, 24H2)
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2022 23H2
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-13 - CVE-2024-38116 published to NVD
- 2024-08-13 - Microsoft releases security patch through the August 2024 update
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-38116
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Windows IP Routing Management Snapin, a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) component used to configure routing services such as Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). Microsoft classifies the issue as remote code execution and maps it to CWE-122, Heap-based Buffer Overflow.
Exploitation requires the attacker to hold low-level privileges on a system that can reach the vulnerable component over the network. No user interaction is required. Once triggered, the memory corruption allows the attacker to run code in the context of the affected process.
The EPSS score of 1.818% places this vulnerability in the 76th percentile, indicating a moderate probability of exploitation activity relative to other tracked CVEs.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper bounds checking during heap memory operations inside the IP Routing Management Snapin. Malformed data supplied to the component causes a heap buffer to be written beyond its allocated size. Corrupting adjacent heap metadata or function pointers gives the attacker control over process execution flow.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity. An authenticated attacker sends crafted routing management data to a system exposing the vulnerable snapin. Because the scope is unchanged and privileges required are low, any authenticated user on the network can attempt exploitation. Microsoft has not released technical exploitation details, and no public proof-of-concept code is available at the time of writing. See the Microsoft Security Update CVE-2024-38116 advisory for vendor guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-38116
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected mmc.exe or IP Routing Management Snapin process crashes with Windows Error Reporting entries referencing heap corruption
- New or modified routing configuration entries in RRAS that do not match change-management records
- Child processes spawned from mmc.exe such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe
- Outbound network connections initiated by mmc.exe to non-corporate destinations
Detection Strategies
- Alert on anomalous memory access patterns and heap corruption exceptions in processes hosting the IP Routing Management Snapin
- Correlate authentication events from low-privileged accounts with subsequent MMC snapin activity on servers running RRAS
- Monitor for lateral movement patterns following interaction with routing management interfaces
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable process creation auditing (Event ID 4688) with command-line logging on all servers running RRAS or routing services
- Ingest Windows Defender Exploit Guard and WER telemetry into a centralized SIEM for early detection of exploitation attempts
- Baseline legitimate administrative use of the IP Routing Management Snapin and alert on deviations
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-38116
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the August 2024 Microsoft security update to all affected Windows client and server systems without delay
- Inventory systems running Routing and Remote Access Service and prioritize patching those exposed to internal networks
- Restrict network access to management interfaces on domain controllers, RRAS servers, and other systems where the snapin may be used
- Enforce least privilege on accounts that can authenticate to servers hosting the vulnerable component
Patch Information
Microsoft addressed CVE-2024-38116 in its August 13, 2024 security release. Refer to the Microsoft Security Update CVE-2024-38116 advisory for the specific KB articles corresponding to each affected Windows version. Administrators should validate patch installation using wmic qfe list or the update history in Windows Update.
Workarounds
- Disable the Routing and Remote Access Service on systems that do not require it
- Block network access to routing management ports from untrusted network segments using host and perimeter firewalls
- Remove authenticated network access rights from standard users on systems hosting the IP Routing Management Snapin
# Verify patch installation status on a Windows host
Get-HotFix | Where-Object { $_.InstalledOn -ge (Get-Date "2024-08-13") }
# Disable Routing and Remote Access Service where not required
Set-Service -Name RemoteAccess -StartupType Disabled
Stop-Service -Name RemoteAccess -Force
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
