CVE-2024-49074 Overview
CVE-2024-49074 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Kernel-Mode Driver. The flaw stems from a use-after-free condition [CWE-416] that allows a local, authenticated attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM. Microsoft published the advisory on December 12, 2024, as part of its monthly security update cycle. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 versions 1809, 21H2, and 22H2, along with Windows Server 2019. Successful exploitation grants attackers complete control of the affected host, with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Critical Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can exploit a use-after-free in a Windows kernel-mode driver to gain SYSTEM-level code execution without user interaction.
Affected Products
- Microsoft Windows 10 version 1809 (x86 and x64)
- Microsoft Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-12 - CVE-2024-49074 published to NVD
- 2024-12-12 - Microsoft releases security advisory and patch
- 2025-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-49074
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in a Windows Kernel-Mode Driver and is classified as a use-after-free condition under [CWE-416]. Kernel-mode drivers operate in ring 0, meaning any memory corruption defect within them directly translates to full kernel compromise. An attacker who can execute code on the target machine as a standard user can trigger the freed object reuse path to corrupt kernel memory.
The attack requires local access and low privileges, but no user interaction. Exploitation results in confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact at the kernel level. The scope remains unchanged, indicating the compromised component and the impacted resources share the same security authority.
Root Cause
The defect is a use-after-free in kernel-mode driver code. This class of bug occurs when a driver retains a pointer to a kernel object after that object has been freed. Subsequent dereferences operate on attacker-controlled memory if the freed allocation is reclaimed and overwritten before reuse. Microsoft has not published low-level technical details, and no public proof-of-concept exists at this time.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires the attacker to already have code execution on the target host as an authenticated user. The attacker invokes the vulnerable driver path through IOCTL calls or system services that interact with the driver. By racing object lifetimes or triggering specific error paths, the attacker forces the driver to reference freed memory. Controlling the contents of the reclaimed allocation enables arbitrary kernel read/write primitives and, ultimately, token replacement to obtain SYSTEM privileges.
See the Microsoft CVE-2024-49074 Advisory for vendor-published details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49074
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected SYSTEM-level processes spawned as children of standard user sessions.
- Kernel crashes (bugchecks) referencing the affected driver, particularly BAD_POOL_CALLER or KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION stop codes.
- New scheduled tasks, services, or accounts created shortly after a low-privilege user logon.
- Loading or interaction with kernel drivers from unsigned or unexpected binaries on user-writable paths.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for token manipulation patterns where a non-elevated process suddenly executes commands under the SYSTEM account.
- Correlate Windows Event ID 4672 (special privileges assigned) and 4688 (process creation) for processes that did not start under services.exe or winlogon.exe.
- Monitor driver load events (Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-PnP) for unsigned or anomalous driver activity.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable kernel-mode auditing and forward Sysmon events 1, 10, and 13 to a centralized analytics platform.
- Track patch compliance against Microsoft KB advisories for December 2024 across all Windows 10 1809/21H2/22H2 and Server 2019 hosts.
- Alert on repeated kernel bugchecks on the same endpoint within short time windows, which can indicate exploitation attempts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49074
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the December 2024 Microsoft security update for all affected Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 systems.
- Prioritize patching for multi-user systems, terminal servers, and developer workstations where local users routinely execute untrusted code.
- Audit local administrator group membership and remove unnecessary standing privileges.
- Restrict the ability of standard users to load third-party drivers via Group Policy.
Patch Information
Microsoft addressed CVE-2024-49074 in the December 12, 2024 security update. Refer to the Microsoft CVE-2024-49074 Advisory for the specific KB articles corresponding to each affected Windows build. Install the cumulative update through Windows Update, WSUS, or your enterprise patch management solution.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround is documented; patching is the supported remediation.
- Reduce risk by enforcing application allowlisting (Windows Defender Application Control) to prevent unauthorized binaries from executing as standard users.
- Enable Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) to raise the bar for kernel exploitation.
# Verify installed updates and patch status on Windows
wmic qfe list brief /format:table
# Force Windows Update scan and install via PowerShell
USoClient.exe StartScan
USoClient.exe StartDownload
USoClient.exe StartInstall
# Confirm Windows build to validate applicability
[System.Environment]::OSVersion.Version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
