CVE-2024-38213KEV · OVERDUECWE-693

Windows Mark of the Web Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Medium · published August 13, 2024

Patch now

The score understates this — it's already being exploited

CVSS calls it medium at 6.5. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 96.5th percentile for exploit probability.

781
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
6.5
EPSS
14%
Percentile
96.5
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚠️ A crafty little flaw in Windows can let malicious files break through your defenses! The Mark of the Web security feature can be bypassed, and that's definitely something to keep an eye on. 🔍 Think of it like a restaurant that allows takeout but skips checking the IDs of the delivery drivers. If you don't verify who’s picking up the order, anyone could grab a meal meant for someone else—deliciously dangerous! An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to run harmful files on your system without raising alarms, potentially leading to data theft or compromised security. It’s like letting unwelcome guests into your party, who could wreak havoc without you noticing!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant that allows takeout but skips checking the IDs of the delivery drivers. If you don't verify who’s picking up the order, anyone could grab a meal meant for someone else—deliciously dangerous! This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass the Mark of the Web protection feature in Windows, which normally prevents potentially unsafe files from being executed. By manipulating how these files are marked, an attacker can trick the system into executing them without the usual security checks.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to run harmful files on your system without raising alarms, potentially leading to data theft or compromised security. It’s like letting unwelcome guests into your party, who could wreak havoc without you noticing! To mitigate this risk, ensure your Windows environment is updated to the latest patches released by Microsoft. Additionally, consider reinforcing security policies regarding file downloads and handling. Regular audits can help catch any suspicious activity before it gets out of hand. You've got this! Stay vigilant and follow these steps to keep your systems safe and sound! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
6.5 · MEDIUM
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N/E:F/RL:O/RC:C
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.13626 · 96.5th percentile
Weakness
CWE-693 · Protection Mechanism Failure
Published
2024-08-13T17:29Z
KEV added
2024-08-13 · due 2024-09-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 13 AUG 17:29Z
    Windows Mark of the Web Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
    cvelistv5
  • 13 AUG 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Sep 3
    kev