CVE-2024-38226: Microsoft Publisher Auth Bypass Flaw

CVE-2024-38226 Overview

Microsoft Publisher Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability allows an attacker to circumvent security features intended to protect data integrity. This vulnerability affects users of Microsoft Office 2019, the Long-Term Servicing Channel, and Microsoft Publisher.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability has a high potential for data integrity compromise, allowing attackers to bypass key security protocols.

Affected Products

Microsoft Office 2019
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel
Microsoft Publisher

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Microsoft
Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-38226 assigned
Not Available - Microsoft releases security patch
2024-09-10 - CVE CVE-2024-38226 published to NVD
2025-10-28 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-38226

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is due to improper enforcement of security boundaries within Microsoft Publisher, leading to a potential security feature bypass. It allows for an attacker with access to exploit certain conditions to bypass protections intended to guard sensitive operations.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in inadequate security checks when processing specific files or components, failing to validate the integrity and origin of input data thoroughly.

Attack Vector

The local attack vector requires the attacker to execute the exploit on the victim's machine, usually via social engineering techniques to lure users into executing malicious files.

powershell

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
try {
    Start-Process "Publisher.exe" -ArgumentList "/safe"
    Write-Host "Attempting to execute bypass"
 }
catch {
    Write-Host "Execution failed"
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-38226

Indicators of Compromise

Suspicious process execution involving Publisher.exe
Unexpected changes in document properties
Anomalous file access patterns

Detection Strategies

Deploy heuristic-based detection to monitor abnormal usage patterns in Publisher. Utilize behavior analysis to identify deviations from regular use cases.

Monitoring Recommendations

Regularly update security policies in your endpoint detection systems to automatically detect and flag suspicious Publisher activity. Enable logging for all Microsoft Office usage.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-38226

Immediate Actions Required

Update Microsoft Publisher to the latest security patch level
Enforce strong access controls to limit file execution
Educate end-users about the risks of social engineering attacks

Patch Information

Patch details and rollout information are available through the Microsoft advisory at Microsoft Security Guide.

Workarounds

Utilize application whitelisting to limit executable scenarios. Disable macro execution for files received via email or downloaded from suspicious sources.

bash

# Configuration example
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned