CVE-2024-38210 Overview
CVE-2024-38210 is a remote code execution vulnerability affecting Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based). The flaw is classified under [CWE-125] as an out-of-bounds read condition. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute code in the context of the browser process on the target system.
The vulnerability carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, such as convincing a victim to visit a crafted web page or open malicious content in the browser. Microsoft published guidance through the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) advisory.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution within the Edge browser process, enabling attackers to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Affected Products
- Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) — versions prior to the August 2024 security update
- Windows deployments running vulnerable Edge builds
- Any platform distribution of Chromium-based Edge prior to the patched release
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-22 - CVE-2024-38210 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-38210
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read weakness [CWE-125] within Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based). Out-of-bounds read conditions occur when software reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of an intended buffer. In browser contexts, such flaws can be chained with additional primitives to achieve arbitrary code execution.
Microsoft categorized the issue as a remote code execution vulnerability despite the local attack vector. This designation reflects the impact once the malicious content is processed by the browser. An attacker who successfully exploits the flaw can run code with the privileges of the affected user.
The attack requires user interaction. A victim must open a crafted document, visit a specially prepared web page, or otherwise trigger the vulnerable code path in Edge.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of buffer boundaries during content processing within the Chromium-based browser engine used by Edge. When memory is read beyond allocated bounds, attackers can obtain sensitive process memory or influence subsequent execution paths. Microsoft has not published detailed root-cause analysis; refer to the Microsoft Security Update CVE-2024-38210 advisory for vendor-supplied information.
Attack Vector
Exploitation follows a browser-based delivery pattern. The attacker crafts malicious web content or a file that triggers the out-of-bounds read when parsed by the vulnerable Edge version. The victim must actively interact with the content, typically by opening a link or file. Once the vulnerable code path executes, the attacker gains code execution in the browser process with the current user's privileges.
No public proof-of-concept exploit or exploitation activity is documented in the enriched data. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No verified exploitation code is available. See the Microsoft Security Update CVE-2024-38210 advisory for vendor details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-38210
Indicators of Compromise
- Microsoft Edge processes spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe
- Edge browser crashes or renderer process terminations correlated with visits to untrusted URLs
- Unusual outbound network connections initiated by msedge.exe following user interaction with untrusted content
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for anomalous behavior originating from msedge.exe, including unexpected process trees or memory access patterns
- Correlate browser crash telemetry with Edge version information to identify systems running vulnerable builds
- Inventory installed Edge versions across the environment and flag hosts running builds prior to the August 2024 security update
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable browser telemetry forwarding to a centralized SIEM for behavioral analysis
- Track Edge auto-update health to ensure endpoints receive the fixed build
- Alert on Edge child-process creation events that fall outside baseline browser behavior
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-38210
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Microsoft Edge security update referenced in the Microsoft Security Update CVE-2024-38210 advisory
- Verify Edge auto-update is functioning on all managed endpoints
- Restrict user browsing to trusted sites through web filtering until patches are deployed
Patch Information
Microsoft released a fix for CVE-2024-38210 through the standard Edge update channel. Administrators should confirm endpoints run the patched Edge version by reviewing edge://settings/help or querying installed browser versions through management tooling. Refer to the Microsoft Security Update CVE-2024-38210 advisory for the specific build number that remediates the issue.
Workarounds
- Enforce user awareness policies discouraging interaction with untrusted links or attachments
- Deploy web filtering and reputation-based URL controls to block known malicious sites
- Restrict Edge to policy-managed profiles that limit access to unvetted content
# Verify Microsoft Edge version on Windows endpoints
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge\BLBeacon" /v version
# Force Edge to check for updates via PowerShell
Start-Process "msedge.exe" -ArgumentList "edge://settings/help"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
