CVE-2024-49113: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Denial of Service Vulnerability (CVE-2024-49113) was identified in December 2024 by independent security researcher Yuki Chen. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 7.5 and affects multiple Windows versions. This vulnerability is related to an out-of-bounds read flaw in the LDAP service (Trend Micro, NVD).

The vulnerability has been classified with CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and received a CVSS v3.1 Base Score of 7.5 (High) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. SafeBreach Labs has developed a proof-of-concept exploit named LDAPNightmare, which demonstrates that the vulnerability can be triggered by sending a specially crafted Connectionless Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (CLDAP) referral response packet, causing the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) to crash and force a reboot (Trend Micro).

When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can lead to a denial-of-service condition on affected Windows servers. The attack requires no prerequisites except that the DNS server of the victim domain controller has internet connectivity, making it particularly concerning for exposed systems (Trend Micro).

Microsoft has released patches for this vulnerability as part of its December 2024 Patch Tuesday updates. Organizations are strongly advised to apply these patches immediately. Trend Micro has also released several protection mechanisms, including Deep Discovery Inspector Rule 5297, Vision One Endpoint Security Rule 1012240, and TippingPoint Filter 45267. Additional recommended security measures include implementing proper patch management, network segmentation, regular security audits, and maintaining an incident response plan (Trend Micro).