CVE-2024-38106: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2024-38106) is a critical zero-day vulnerability discovered in the Windows NT Operating System Kernel Executable (ntoskrnl.exe). The vulnerability was disclosed in August 2024 and has been actively exploited in the wild. It affects multiple versions of Windows operating systems and has received a CVSS base score of 7.0 (High) (NVD).

The vulnerability stems from a race condition within the Windows kernel, specifically affecting the VslGetSetSecureContext() and NtSetInformationWorkerFactory() functions. The flaw resides in the core of the Windows operating system, acting as a bridge between hardware and software. Technical analysis revealed that the patch introduced proper locking mechanisms for the VslpEnterIumSecureMode() operation and added flag checks for NtSetInformationWorkerFactory() to prevent race conditions (SecurityOnline).

Successful exploitation of CVE-2024-38106 allows attackers to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM level, effectively gaining full control over the targeted machine. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass sandbox protections and deploy sophisticated malware, including the FudModule rootkit, which uses Direct Kernel Object Manipulation techniques to tamper with kernel security mechanisms (SecurityOnline).

Microsoft has released security patches for CVE-2024-38106 as part of its August 2024 Patch Tuesday update. Organizations are strongly advised to apply the available patches immediately. CISA has added this vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, requiring federal agencies to apply patches by September 3, 2024 (NVD).