CVE-2024-43451 is classified as an NTLM hash disclosure spoofing vulnerability. This vulnerability allows for the disclosure of a user's NTLMv2 hash to an attacker, which can potentially lead to unauthorized impersonation. The CVSS score is 6.5, marking it as medium severity, indicating that while it is not the most critical, it poses a significant risk that organizations cannot overlook. Given the nature of this vulnerability, the risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive resources and data.
The vulnerability was published on November 12, 2024, and is currently under analysis. It affects several versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows Server editions. The urgency for defenders is high, and organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Exploitability of this vulnerability is critical, with known exploits available. This emphasizes the need for organizations to act swiftly to remediate the issue to mitigate any real-world impacts.
To effectively manage this vulnerability, organizations should implement the recommended patches and updates from Microsoft. Additionally, continuous monitoring and assessment of systems for any signs of exploitation should be a priority.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that this vulnerability is a NTLM hash disclosure spoofing vulnerability. It is classified under CWE-73, indicating improper handling of special elements in a command. The vulnerability affects multiple Microsoft Windows versions, including Windows 10 (various editions) and Windows Server editions. The CVSS version is 3.1, with a vector of CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, categorizing the attack vector as network, requiring low complexity and no privileges, but necessitating user interaction.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the way NTLMv2 hashes are handled during file open operations. An attacker could exploit this issue by sending a malicious file that, when accessed by a user, could disclose the user's NTLMv2 hash. This attack can be executed over a network, making the accessibility of this vulnerability a concerning threat.
The attack complexity is low, as the attacker does not require any special privileges, and user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability. The confidentiality impact is high, as it directly involves the disclosure of sensitive authentication data, while integrity and availability impacts are noted as none.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk of CVE-2024-43451 is significant. Organizations running affected Windows versions may find themselves at risk of unauthorized access if they do not act promptly. The potential blast radius is extensive, given the widespread usage of the affected Windows versions in various organizational environments.
Organizations should assess their current patching status and prioritize this vulnerability in their remediation efforts. Given the high exploitability and the potential for attackers to leverage this vulnerability, organizations must act decisively.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
CVE-2024-43451 affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows, including:
Windows 10 (versions 1507, 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (versions 22H2, 23H2, 24H2), and various Windows Server editions (2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025). Organizations should ensure they apply the necessary patches as soon as they are available.
Mitigation & Remediation
Microsoft has provided patches for this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they apply the latest updates and patches from Microsoft to mitigate this vulnerability. If patches are not available, organizations should consider implementing network controls to limit exposure, along with configuration hardening practices.
Continuous penetration testing can also be valuable in identifying potential weaknesses in the system post-remediation.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any indicators of suspicious file access patterns, especially involving NTLM authentication. Behavioral anomalies related to user credentials should also be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-43451 lies in its demonstration of the vulnerabilities present in legacy authentication protocols like NTLM. Organizations need to be vigilant in their application of security patches and monitoring of legacy systems to prevent potential exploits.
Understanding penetration testing methodologies can help security teams to better identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their environments.
Designing a robust vulnerability management program is crucial for maintaining security posture in the face of evolving threats.
Cloud penetration testing can further uncover vulnerabilities in hybrid environments where legacy systems are still in operation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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