CVE-2024-49019: Windows Server 2008 AD CS Privilege Escalation

CVE-2024-49019 Overview

Active Directory Certificate Services Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability poses a high risk due to its potential to enable privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain elevated access to affected systems.

Affected Products

• Microsoft Windows Server 2008
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2016

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-11-12 - CVE CVE-2024-49019 published to NVD
• 2024-11-18 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-49019

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists due to an improper handling of privileges within the Active Directory Certificate Services. Attackers with local access can manipulate certificate templates in a way that elevates their privileges significantly.

Root Cause

The vulnerability arises from a misconfiguration in certificate template management, which improperly enforces privilege restrictions.

Attack Vector

Local access is required for exploit. Attackers need to authenticate to the system but can elevate privileges post-authentication.

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
$caConfig = Get-CertificationAuthorityConfig
Invoke-PowerShellExpression -Command "CERTUTIL -setreg CA\PolicyValidityPeriodUnits 10"

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49019

Indicators of Compromise

• Unauthorized changes to certificate templates
• Unexpected privilege elevations
• Logs indicating certificate manipulations

Detection Strategies

Implement monitoring to track changes to the Certificate Services' configuration and template access logs. Ensure alerts are set for unauthorized modifications.

Monitoring Recommendations

Utilize SIEMs to aggregate logs related to Active Directory Certificate Services, focusing on certificate template access and changes.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49019

Immediate Actions Required

• Limit user access to Certificate Services
• Review and correct certificate template configurations
• Monitor and audit certificate services activity

Patch Information

Refer to the Microsoft Security Advisory for detailed patch deployment instructions.

Workarounds

Restrict access to certificate templates and enforce strict user privilege policies.

# Configuration example
Set-ADUser -Identity "UserName" -Add @{'CAAdministrator'=$null}