CVE-2024-21351KEV · OVERDUECWE-94code-injection

Microsoft Windows SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

High · published February 13, 2024

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.6. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 98.1th percentile for exploit probability.

964
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.6
EPSS
28%
Percentile
98.1
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A sneaky workaround can bypass Windows SmartScreen's defenses, allowing attackers to slip malicious files right past your security! ⚡ Think of SmartScreen like a vigilant bouncer at a club, only letting in guests who are on the VIP list. This vulnerability is like someone handing the bouncer a fake ID — they get in, and trouble follows! If exploited, attackers could run arbitrary code on your system, leaving your sensitive data exposed or even allowing full control over your machine. Imagine an uninvited guest rummaging through your belongings while you're oblivious — that's the level of risk we're looking at here!

Put simply

Think of SmartScreen like a vigilant bouncer at a club, only letting in guests who are on the VIP list. This vulnerability is like someone handing the bouncer a fake ID — they get in, and trouble follows! This vulnerability involves a bypass of the SmartScreen security feature, which is designed to detect malicious files. Due to improper validation, attackers can execute malicious files without running into SmartScreen's protective checks.

What to do

If exploited, attackers could run arbitrary code on your system, leaving your sensitive data exposed or even allowing full control over your machine. Imagine an uninvited guest rummaging through your belongings while you're oblivious — that's the level of risk we're looking at here! Immediately install security patches released by Microsoft to fix this vulnerability. Additionally, remind users to stay cautious and avoid downloading files from untrusted sources. Regular updates and security training can help reinforce safe practices! You've got this! By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to fortifying your defenses against this sneaky threat. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.6 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:L
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.27798 · 98.1th percentile
Weakness
CWE-94 · Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
Published
2024-02-13T23:15Z
KEV added
2024-02-13 · due 2024-03-05
Affected products (12)
ProductVersionsFixed in
microsoft/windows_10_1507< 10.0.10240.2046910.0.10240.20469
microsoft/windows_10_1607< 10.0.14393.670910.0.14393.6709
microsoft/windows_10_1809< 10.0.17763.545810.0.17763.5458
microsoft/windows_10_21h2< 10.0.19044.404610.0.19044.4046
microsoft/windows_10_22h2< 10.0.19045.404610.0.19045.4046
microsoft/windows_11_21h2< 10.0.22000.277710.0.22000.2777
microsoft/windows_11_22h2< 10.0.22621.315510.0.22621.3155
microsoft/windows_11_23h2< 10.0.22631.315510.0.22631.3155
microsoft/windows_server_2016all versions—
microsoft/windows_server_2019< 10.0.17763.545810.0.17763.5458
microsoft/windows_server_2022< 10.0.20348.232210.0.20348.2322
microsoft/windows_server_2022_23h2< 10.0.25398.70910.0.25398.709
References (3)
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 13 FEB 18:02Z
    Windows SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
    cvelistv5
  • 13 FEB 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Mar 5
    kev