CVE-2024-49102: Windows 10 1507 RRAS RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-49102 Overview

CVE-2024-49102 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). The flaw affects supported versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server, ranging from Server 2008 through Server 2025. Microsoft disclosed the issue as part of its December 2024 security update cycle.

The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-122] Heap-based Buffer Overflow. An attacker can target a vulnerable RRAS server over the network, but exploitation requires user interaction on a client connected to the attacker-controlled endpoint. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2024-49102 allows remote code execution against Windows servers running RRAS, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host.

Affected Products

Microsoft Windows 10 (versions 1507, 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2)
Microsoft Windows 11 (versions 22H2, 23H2, 24H2)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2022 23H2, and 2025

Discovery Timeline

2024-12-12 - CVE-2024-49102 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2025-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-49102

Vulnerability Analysis

The Routing and Remote Access Service is a Windows component that provides routing, VPN, and dial-up remote access functionality. CVE-2024-49102 is a heap-based buffer overflow within RRAS processing logic. An attacker who entices a client to connect to a malicious server, or who manipulates traffic processed by an RRAS server, can trigger memory corruption that leads to arbitrary code execution.

The vulnerability requires the attacker to convince a user to initiate a connection that flows through the affected RRAS component. Once exploitation succeeds, the attacker gains code execution within the service context, which can be used as a pivot point for lateral movement, credential theft, or persistence on the host.

EPSS scoring places this CVE in the upper tier of exploitation probability among published CVEs, though no public proof-of-concept has been published and the issue is not listed on the CISA KEV catalog.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper bounds checking on heap memory during the parsing of attacker-influenced data within RRAS. The condition maps to [CWE-122], where an oversized or malformed input causes a write beyond the bounds of an allocated heap buffer. Heap overflows of this class can corrupt adjacent memory structures, function pointers, or object metadata, enabling arbitrary code execution.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based with low complexity and no privileges required, but user interaction is needed. A typical exploitation chain involves an attacker hosting a malicious RRAS endpoint, then luring a victim to initiate a connection. The victim's interaction triggers protocol processing where the heap overflow occurs. Server-side exploitation requires the RRAS role to be enabled. Windows hosts without the RRAS role configured are not exposed.

No verified public exploit code is available. Technical details are limited to the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49102

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected child processes spawned by the RRAS service host (svchost.exe hosting RemoteAccess service)
Crash dumps or Windows Error Reporting events referencing RRAS modules following inbound connections
Outbound network connections initiated by Windows hosts to unfamiliar RRAS or VPN endpoints
New service installations, scheduled tasks, or persistence mechanisms appearing shortly after RRAS connection events

Detection Strategies

Monitor Windows Event Logs for service crashes, restarts, or faults associated with the RemoteAccess service
Inspect network telemetry for anomalous PPP, L2TP, SSTP, or PPTP sessions terminating at internal hosts
Apply behavioral identification to flag code execution patterns originating from RRAS service processes
Audit hosts to inventory which systems have the RRAS role installed and reduce the attack surface accordingly

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Windows security and system event logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation across endpoints
Track outbound VPN and remote access connections initiated by user workstations to non-corporate destinations
Alert on patch compliance gaps for the December 2024 Microsoft security updates across Windows fleets
Baseline normal RRAS service behavior, including expected child processes and network peers, to surface deviations

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49102

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the December 2024 Microsoft security updates that address CVE-2024-49102 across all affected Windows and Windows Server versions
Inventory all systems with the Routing and Remote Access Service role enabled and prioritize them for patching
Restrict outbound connections from user workstations to untrusted remote access servers via network policy
Educate users to avoid initiating VPN or dial-up connections to unverified endpoints

Patch Information

Microsoft released fixes for CVE-2024-49102 on December 10, 2024. Refer to the Microsoft Security Update Guide for CVE-2024-49102 for the specific KB articles applicable to each affected Windows and Windows Server build. Apply the cumulative update for the matching OS version.

Workarounds

Disable the Routing and Remote Access Service on hosts that do not require it, removing the vulnerable code path entirely
Block inbound and outbound RRAS-related protocols (PPTP TCP/1723, L2TP UDP/1701, SSTP TCP/443) at the perimeter where they are not required
Enforce network segmentation to limit which clients can establish remote access sessions to internal infrastructure
Apply application allow-listing to prevent unauthorized binaries from executing within the RRAS service context

bash

# Verify whether the RemoteAccess (RRAS) service is present and disable if unused
Get-Service -Name RemoteAccess | Select-Object Name, Status, StartType
Set-Service -Name RemoteAccess -StartupType Disabled
Stop-Service -Name RemoteAccess -Force