CVE-2024-43461: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Windows MSHTML Platform Spoofing Vulnerability (CVE-2024-43461) was discovered and reported to Microsoft on July 19, 2024, with public disclosure occurring on September 10, 2024. The vulnerability affects various versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems, including Windows 10 versions 1507, 1607, and 1809 (NVD, ZDI).

The vulnerability exists within the way Internet Explorer handles file downloads and extensions. Specifically, the flaw allows for file extension spoofing, where a crafted file name can cause the true file extension to be hidden, potentially misleading users into believing a file is harmless. The vulnerability has received a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating high severity across confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts (NVD).

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Windows installations. The execution would occur in the context of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack requires user interaction, specifically visiting a malicious page or opening a malicious file (ZDI).

Microsoft has released security updates to address this vulnerability. The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog requires federal agencies to apply vendor mitigations by October 7, 2024, or discontinue product use if mitigations are unavailable (NVD).