CVE-2024-49039: Windows 10 1507 Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2024-49039 Overview

The Windows Task Scheduler Elevation of Privilege vulnerability (CVE-2024-49039) allows attackers to gain unauthorized elevated privileges on affected systems through local exploitation. This vulnerability has been actively exploited and is critical due to its potential impact on system security.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can achieve elevated privileges, leading to total system compromise.

Affected Products

• Microsoft Windows 10 1507
• Microsoft Windows 10 1607
• Microsoft Windows 10 1809

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-11-12 - CVE CVE-2024-49039 published to NVD
• 2025-10-28 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-49039

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists within the Task Scheduler's failure to properly handle privilege separation. This flaw allows a local authenticated attacker to create a malicious task leading to system-level privilege execution.

Root Cause

The failure in the privilege separation mechanism within Task Scheduler leads to vertical privilege escalation.

Attack Vector

Local

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
schtasks /create \
  /tn "\malicious_task" \
  /tr "cmd.exe /c whoami > C:\temp\privs.txt" \
  /sc once \
  /st 13:00

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49039

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual creation of tasks in Task Scheduler
• Unauthorized changes in scheduled tasks
• Unexpected privilege executions

Detection Strategies

Monitoring for changes in the C:\Windows\Tasks directory and logs of task creation can identify unauthorized task creation.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement file integrity monitoring on C:\Windows\Tasks and audit logs for scheduled task executions.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49039

Immediate Actions Required

• Review and audit scheduled tasks frequently
• Implement strict least privilege policies
• Monitor system logs for unusual task scheduling activity

Patch Information

Refer to the Microsoft Security Update Guide for patch updates and installation guidelines.

Workarounds

Disable unnecessary scheduled tasks and ensure task creations require high-level administrative approvals.

# Configuration example
net stop TaskScheduler
sc config Schedule start= disabled