Critical Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability with Public Exploit
Cybersecurity researchers reported a critical Windows privilege escalation vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-43641 affecting Microsoft Windows. This flaw, which affects various editions of Windows Server 2025, Windows 10, and Windows 11, has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8, indicating high severity.
Summary
| OEM | Microsoft |
| Severity | High |
| CVSS | 7.8 |
| CVEs | CVE-2024-43641 |
| Exploited in Wild | No |
| Patch/Remediation Available | Yes |
| Advisory Version | 1.0 |
Overview
A significant Windows Registry Elevation of Privilege vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-43641, affects multiple editions of Windows. A recently released Proof-of-Concept (PoC) exploit demonstrates how attackers can exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges.
| Vulnerability Name | CVE ID | Product Affected | Severity |
| Windows Registry Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability | CVE-2024-43641 | Windows | High |
Technical Summary
The vulnerability, CVE-2024-43641, exploits a design flaw in Windows registry hive memory management, specifically during a double-fetch process under memory pressure. This flaw allows malicious SMB servers to respond with differing data for consecutive read requests, breaking kernel assumptions and enabling privilege escalation to SYSTEM level. Key technical details are as follows:
| CVE ID | System Affected | Vulnerability Details | Impact |
| CVE-2024-43641 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2008–2025 | The vulnerability involves improper handling of registry hive memory management under memory pressure. A malicious SMB server can respond with differing data to consecutive read requests, breaking kernel assumptions. Exploitation leverages a “False File Immutability” (FFI) condition. | Allows attackers to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, and compromise system integrity. |
Remediation:
- Apply Patches: Users and system administrators are strongly advised to promptly apply the latest security updates.
- Monitor Activity:
- Monitor logs for suspicious activity related to registry operations.
- The cybersecurity community is actively monitoring the situation for any indications of active exploitation in the wild.
Conclusion:
CVE-2024-43641 is a high-severity vulnerability with a publicly available PoC exploit. It is crucial to apply security patches immediately and follow best practices to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Organizations must stay alert and monitor ongoing developments to ensure complete protection against this emerging threat.
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