Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Discovered in Microsoft Windows Wi-Fi Drivers
A new critical cybersecurity threat has been discovered by CYFIRMA researchwhere a serious remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability has been identified as CVE-2024-30078.
This vulnerability affects the Wi-Fi drivers in multiple versions of Microsoft Windows and poses a potential risk to over 1.6 billion active devices worldwide.
The vulnerability could allow attackers within Wi-Fi range to execute unauthorized code on affected systems.
How the exploit works
CVE-2024-30078 affects multiple versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and various versions of Windows Server. The vulnerability is located in the Dot11Translate80211ToEthernetNdisPacket() function in the native Wi-Fi driver (nwifi.sys).
The exploitation of CVE-2024-30078 has been reported in the wild in the United States, China, and parts of Europe. It poses a significant risk to industries that rely heavily on Wi-Fi and extensive Windows deployments, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, and technology.
It is classified as a low-complexity attack, meaning that no advanced techniques or user interaction are required to exploit it. Instead, attackers can send specially crafted network packets to devices within their Wi-Fi range to gain unauthorized access.
This vulnerability concerns a flaw in the Link Layer Control (LLC) component of the network stack. This flaw is related to how packet lengths are handled when Virtual LAN (VLAN) is used. The vulnerability is caused by a mismatch in the expected packet size, leading to an out-of-bounds read and a 2-byte write vulnerability.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specific network data packets that interact with the Dot11Translate80211ToEthernetNdisPacket() function. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can overwrite critical address data and execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
If this vulnerability is successfully exploited, it could lead to several serious implications, affecting both individual users and organizations. One of the most alarming consequences is the possibility of malware installation. Attackers can remotely install various types of malicious software, including ransomware and spyware, on compromised systems.
Additionally, once a system is compromised, attackers can perform lateral movements within the network. This means they can navigate to other connected devices, increasing their privileges to access sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
Another serious implication is botnet recruitment, where exploited systems can be integrated into networks of compromised devices controlled by attackers. These botnets can be used to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or facilitate other large-scale malicious activities, further increasing the threat posed by the original vulnerability.
Data exfiltration is also a critical concern related to CVE-2024-30078. These attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, including personal data, financial information, and intellectual property.
There are multiple ways to minimize the risk of CVE-2024-30078. Organizations and individuals can implement the following proactive strategies to improve their cybersecurity space:
- To protect against this vulnerability, applying patches quickly is the most critical step. Microsoft has released a security patch specifically targeting this vulnerability in June 2024. Regularly updating all systems to the latest software versions is essential to ensure that known vulnerabilities are mitigated, significantly reducing the risk of exploitation.
- Enabling advanced network security features is another effective measure. For example, implementing Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) can enhance the security of wireless communications. In addition, it is advisable to disable unnecessary network protocols that can be abused by attackers to further secure the network environment.
- Using strong and unique passwords is crucial for securing Wi-Fi networks.
- Network segmentation can also play an important role in limiting the impact of potential attacks.
- By implementing Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS), organizations can detect suspicious activities or anomalies in network traffic that may indicate attempts to exploit vulnerabilities.
- Regular security audits and penetration testing are essential to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in network configurations before they can be exploited by attackers.
- It is also vital to educate users on cybersecurity best practices. Training users on the specific risks associated with Wi-Fi networks and the importance of following security protocols can significantly reduce the chance of inadvertent exposure to attacks.
- Finally, implementing a zero-trust security model ensures that all network access is treated as potentially risky. This approach requires continuous authentication of devices and users, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access even if an attacker manages to gain access to the network.
