CVE-2024-38193: Windows 10 Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2024-38193 Overview

The Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock (AFD) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2024-38193) poses a significant risk to various versions of the Windows operating system. This vulnerability allows attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected systems by exploiting a flaw in the Windows AFD, leading to possible full system compromise.

Critical Impact

Exploiting this vulnerability could grant attackers high-level system access, leading to further unauthorized activities.

Affected Products

• Microsoft Windows 10 1507
• Microsoft Windows 11 21H2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2019

Discovery Timeline

• Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
• Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Microsoft
• Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-38193 assigned
• Not Available - Microsoft releases security patch
• 2024-08-13 - CVE CVE-2024-38193 published to NVD
• 2025-10-28 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-38193

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2024-38193 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability caused by improper input handling in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver. Due to insufficient sanitization, an attacker can exploit a use-after-free condition to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Root Cause

The vulnerability stems from a use-after-free condition within the AFD's handling of specific socket operations, leading to memory corruption.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability can be exploited locally by an attacker who has the ability to run malicious code on the affected system.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
#include <windows.h>

int main() {
    HANDLE hSocket = CreateFile(L"\\.\\AFD", GENERIC_WRITE, 0, NULL, OPEN_EXISTING, 0, NULL);
    // Trigger use-after-free and escalate privileges
    return 0;
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-38193

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual process creation with elevated privileges
• Modifications in system files and settings
• Unexpected outbound network connections

Detection Strategies

Utilize advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, such as SentinelOne, to monitor for suspicious patterns related to process creation and privilege escalation attempts.

Monitoring Recommendations

Set up alerts for any unauthorized changes regarding privilege levels and monitor network traffic for abnormal behavior indicative of a compromised system.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-38193

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest security patches provided by Microsoft
• Implement user access controls to minimize exposure
• Disable unnecessary services that could be exploited by this vulnerability

Patch Information

For patch details and updates, visit the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory.

Workarounds

Consider temporary measures such as reducing user permissions and isolating affected systems from the network to mitigate risk until a patch can be applied.

# Configuration example
netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off