Top 10 Vulnerabilities of November 2024

Cybersecurity has been growing rapidly, and now, there are an increasing number of threats to organizations’ key systems, applications, and devices. In recent releases, we see the rise of high-severity vulnerabilities where hackers take advantage of holes in popular platforms and infrastructure to steal data, take contro,l or shut down operations. Even in 2024, CVE-2024-43498, CVE-2024-43639, and CVE-2024-0012 have exposed a way for vital systems to be hacked via remote code execution, authentication bypass, and privilege escalation.

Key Statistics 

• 90% of Critical Vulnerabilities in 2024 are Remote Code Execution, Auth bypass, or Privilege Escalation, which is a significant part of attacks today.
• More than 60% of vulnerabilities reported attack popular Windows, PAN-OS, and Android platforms, which increases the threat level.
• The CVSS critical vulnerability average this year is 9.1, which makes it obvious that the flaws are exploitable.

1. CVE-2024-43498: A Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in .NET and Visual Studio

This reality has been made vivid by the recently discovered CVE-2024-43498, a major vulnerability in.NET and Visual Studio code. This vulnerability is CVSS ranked 9.8 showing just how devastating input validation bugs are in software development.

Remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability with incorrect input validation in.NET and Visual Studio projects. With this vulnerability, hackers can make personalized requests or load malicious files in order to hijack the way these platforms receive inputs. Exploitation doesn’t need any user interaction, which makes it a great method for hackers to breach the systems and execute arbitrary code.

After being exploited, attackers can use this vulnerability to access all affected machines. They might download malware, decrypt sensitive data, or even break everything. Easy exploitability and powerful impact make this vulnerability very vulnerable — including full system hack, data compromise, and shutdown.

Who Is at Risk? 

Companies who are dependent on.NET Framework,.NET Core, or Visual Studio as a development or production platform are at high risk. Since these platforms are being used across industries, the attack surface is big.

Mitigation Strategies  

What’s the most important part of fixing CVE-2024-43498 is applying the Microsoft patches immediately. Input validation in applications should also be improved by developers so this does not happen again. Businesses can also help control risk by limiting access to files, monitoring for unusual system activity, and training end users on the identification of suspect files or behaviors.

CVE-2024-43498 is a reminder that you must use security-first practices for the development and deployment of your software. Patching and early action are the key to mitigation and system protection. Cyber threats change constantly and keeping up to date and vigilant is the best defense against exploitation.

2. CVE-2024-49056: Authentication Bypass Vulnerability on airlift.microsoft.com

The new CVE-2024-49056 indicates that the risk of security vulnerability in web applications has never gone away. It’s a security flaw that allows network-accessed attackers with valid credentials to bypass authentication checks on the airlift.microsoft.com website and compromise sensitive resources. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.3, so this vulnerability is a huge risk especially when working with secure authentication.

Fundamentally, CVE-2024-49056 uses false beliefs about invariable data in authentication algorithms. By changing these assumptions, hackers can bypass authentication requirements and gain privileges. This vulnerability isn’t possible to attack without the correct credentials but can be crippling if the attacker already has very limited access to a system.

Exploitation and Impact  

This flaw allows attackers to bypass security protections and get into any resource or system that is of value. This can result in leaks of proprietary information, interruption of service, and damage to internal systems. If the breaches are happening in the domains where personal data exists or is handled, it might cause irreparable operational and reputational harm.

Addressing the Risk  

Protecting against this starts with Microsoft patches and updates. Organizations should also review authentication mechanisms and privilege escalation controls thoroughly. For maximum protection from exploitation, you need rigorous credential controls like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and password changes. Monitoring regularly for unusual activity and traffic can be a great extra layer of security.

Anisimulations in authentication mechanisms create an avenue for attack even when the initial access looks limited. Resolving this vulnerability ASAP and reviewing authentication rules are the two most important things to do in order to protect critical systems.

For details and instructions, read the Microsoft Security Advisories. Being proactive and aware is the best strategy to reduce risk in a dynamic threat environment.

3. CVE-2024-43625: Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability in Microsoft Windows VMSwitch

CVE-2024-43625 addresses a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Windows VMSwitch which allows attackers to use an “use after free” state to extend privileges. This vulnerability is identified as high severity as it could allow attackers local system privileges to perform unauthorized activity and system compromise.

This issue is caused by the wrong memory management of the VMSwitch component. Using specially coded network packets, attackers can take advantage of a “use after free” loop, where the component controls the way the resource communicates with the system. This vulnerability lets attackers expand privileges, and a limited-access account becomes an administrative one.

Exploitation Methods and Impact 

An attacker needs to send a certain network packet to the affected system in order to exploit CVE-2024-43625. Conquered exploitation gives them rights of a local system, which allows them to:

• Install malicious software, like viruses and backdoors.
• Add new admin user accounts.
• Delete or edit sensitive data.

Such behavior can lead to a massive system breach that interrupts the business and opens sensitive information to external attackers.

Mitigation Strategies 

Microsoft is fixing the use after free “vulnerability” in the VMSwitch component as a response to CVE-2024-43625 through security updates. Organizations should immediately: 

• Install Security Updates: Patch all affected machines to the latest version.
• Network Traffic Monitoring: Implement intrusion prevention and detection mechanisms to identify and quarantine malicious packets towards VMSwitch.
• Access Denied Networks: Denial of access to systems with VMSwitch is only for trusted parties.
• Enhance Privilege Escalation Security: Improve security controls for privilege-elevation attacks and block them.

It is important to ensure that all network communications component components are secure. By patching this hole early and enhancing system security, organizations can prevent the possibility of being exploited and remain secure.

Visit the Microsoft Security Advisories for more details and official notices. Regular prevention and patching are still essential to protect against evolving threats.

4. CVE-2024-43639: Critical Remote Code Execution in Windows Kerberos Authentication

This is an attack against the Windows Kerberos authentication process, one of the fundamental security features of Microsoft systems. This vulnerability allows attackers to run arbitrary code in the background without user intervention, which is a major security risk for the system and data. With a CVSS score of 9.8, organizations around the world need to address this vulnerability.

Kerberos is a standard authentication protocol for users and machines under Windows. CVE-2024-43639 occurs because there’s a vulnerability in the way Kerberos takes inputs. An unauthenticated attacker can take advantage of this hole by putting in an specially designed app to compromise the Kerberos protocol, which then bypasses authentication and runs some arbitrary code.

Exploitation Methods and Impact  

This vulnerability is especially lethal because it is very easy to exploit and doesn’t require any user interaction. Successful attacks can lead to: 

• System Failures: Unauthorized Code Execution can interfere with the system processes or services by causing a crash.
• Unauthorized Access to Data: Cybercriminals can have access to data, potentially exposing private data.
• Extended Compromise: Kerberos is responsible for authentication on the network, so the flaw could be used by attackers to travel across systems and multiply the attack.

If it’s a data source with financial, medical or government information, then these effects could be devastating in highly secured applications.

Mitigation and Remediation 

Organizations need to respond immediately to limit CVE-2024-43639 risk. Key steps include: 

• Install Security Updates: Microsoft has pushed fixes for this vulnerability. Update every system that depends on Kerberos right away.
• Expand Network Security: Protect your network with firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) and block unwanted activity on Kerberos.
• Audit Authentication Mechanisms: Monitor authentication logs regularly for abnormal or illegal access.
• Separate Highly Valuable Systems: Separate highly valuable systems in order to restrict movement in the event of an exploit.

A slew of attacks in the basic authentication systems such as Kerberos. Remote code execution, unauthorized access, and high impact are all reasons this vulnerability should be taken seriously by IT and security departments. If patches are applied quickly and security measures are strengthened, companies can prevent the attack and restore their systems’ integrity.

For more information and notifications, visit Microsoft Security Alerts. Pre-emptive action is essential to stay ahead of this and other changes.

5. CVE-2024-43047: High-Severity Use-After-Free Vulnerability in Qualcomm DSP Service

CVE-2024-43047 discloses a critical flaw in Qualcomm’s DSP (Digital Signal Processor) service that is found in most modern phones. This use-after-free bug can be used by local attackers to run arbitrary code causing memory corruption and privilege hijacking. Since it is considered high severity, this flaw is an immediate issue for Qualcomm chipset devices.

The attack is based on poor memory management in Qualcomm’s DSP service. An use-after-free state will arise when the service tries to read memory that is already freed, leaving an attack vector available for attackers to tamper with the system. Attackers can cause code that will run at will against these processes, circumventing security, without any user intervention.

Exploitation and Impact  

Exploitation of CVE-2024-43047 is generally done by attackers that have local access to the machine. If they invoke the use-after-free state, they can:

• System Memory Error: Bad code execution causes an unstable or denial-of-service state.
• Privileges Escalation: attackers can get super privileges that allow access to sensitive information and critical system components.
• Minimize Device Security: Qualcomm chipsets in mobile, IoT, and embedded devices are extremely susceptible to exploitation at scale.

All these effects make this vulnerability a real risk, especially when Qualcomm chipsets are widely deployed.

Mitigation and Remediation 

In order to manage CVE-2024-43047, companies, and users need to:

• Apply Firmware Updates: Qualcomm has patched this issue. Check devices regularly for updates from OEMs or vendors.
• Physical Access Limit: Limit physical/local access to devices to trusted users only.
• Turn on Security Monitoring: Identify abnormal activity or privilege escalation attempts on target machines.
• Audit App Permissions: Deny excessive permissions for applications that can take advantage of DSP.

CVE-2024-43047 is another example of how even very trivial hardware flaws can be extremely damaging. The use-after-free vulnerability in Qualcomm’s DSP service shows just how important proper memory management and patching are for keeping current devices safe.

For more information on this vulnerability and patch, visit Qualcomm’s security advisories or your device manufacturer. Be proactive and always on the lookout for updates to avoid being vulnerable to this kind of attack.

6. CVE-2024-43093: Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in the Android Framework

CVE-2024-43093, Privilege Escalation Issue with Android Framework for unauthorized Access to sensitive directories. The bug only affects Android versions 12-15, and it enables attackers to break through the security layers to expose valuable devices and data. As Android devices are so common, users and administrators need to take these vulnerabilities seriously.

This is a bug with the Android Framework’s permissions on important folders. Exploitation is a way to break security walls and usually doesn’t take much technical knowledge, and not a whole lot of interaction on the end. This can be phishing for users to download malware, or simply performing certain actions that allow the attacker to access sensitive areas of the file system.

Exploitation and Impact  

CVE-2024-43093 can be exploited to: 

• Access sensitive directories: Hackers can easily access directories that should be protected by the Android Framework & expose sensitive user data.
• Increase Rights: With leverage, you can increase rights, and an attacker can alter files, download malicious code, or perform unauthorized system operations.
• Structure System Security: Having access to the secret directories allows the attacker to crash or take permanent root over the devices.

This vulnerability is particularly dangerous for Android users due to its exploitation speed and user privacy/system security implications.

Mitigation and Remediation 

As a protection against CVE-2024-43093:

• Patch/Update Devices: Download the patch or update from Google or the manufacturer to fix this vulnerability.
• Third-Party Apps Beware: Never install apps from a third party since they can take advantage of this hole.
• Install Security Tools: Allow Android’s security tools like Play Protect to detect and block malicious apps.
• Restrict Permissions: Check and restrict permissions for apps, particularly if it’s an app that has to read some highly private folders.

CVE-2024-43093 highlights the need to have tight permissions on mobile OSes. – Risks of privilege escalation and data theft underscore the urgency of timely notifications and users’ caution.

7. CVE-2024-42448: Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in VSPC Management Agent

An exploitable remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability on VSPC (Virtual Server Protection and Control) management agents, which lets attackers run commands against VSPC servers. This vulnerability can be fatal, resulting in failed backups and data leakage. As it has the ability to attack and disable systems, this is especially troubling for service providers who rely on VSPC to manage their infrastructure.

This flaw result from incorrect validation of commands performed by valid management agents in VSPC environment. Users who take advantage of this flaw can easily circumvent known performance bounds and run any commands they wish on the VSPC server machine. Exploitation might not have this control – it must have it through an agent with authorization – but because of the breadth of its power, it’s a very serious weakness.

Exploitation and Impact  

CVE-2024-42448 can be exploited to: 

• Attackers Can Issue Remote Commands of arbitrary Type: Attackers can issue commands that attack the VSPC server and managed infrastructure.
• Reverse Engineering Backup Processes: Powerful data protection policies can be interrupted or disabled, leaving your infrastructure open to data breaches or ransomware.
• Exfiltrate Data: By exploiting, sensitive data stored or processed by the server may be obtained by unauthorized parties.
• Systemic Integrity Loss: Remote server control breaks the chain of trust and breaks service provider continuity.

Mitigation and Remediation 

Treating CVE-2024-42448 is not only a matter of taking steps now but also a matter of planning:

• Security Patches: Install the latest VSPC software whenever patches are released from the vendor.
• Agent Permissions Control: Check and control management agent permissions so that exploitation is less likely.
• Watch Command Activity: Use log and monitoring services to see unusual patterns in command execution on VSPC servers.
• Improve Access Controls: Implement high-level authentication and restrict access to the VSPC environment to trusted agents and systems.
• Audit Integrity of Backup: Check on backup processes regularly to make sure they haven’t been affected by attacks.

Security management tools such as VSPC is key to maintaining service provider services. The possibility of remote code execution and the interruption this brings make it an imperative vulnerability to quickly patch.

Read vendor notes for more details, and be sure that your VSPC cluster is protected from exploits. Anticipatory security and updates are required to mitigate risks and assure system availability.

8. CVE-2024-42449: High-Severity Vulnerability in VSPC Server Allowing NTLM Hash Extraction and File Deletion

CVE-2024-42449 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the VSPC (Virtual Server Protection and Control) server. This flaw enables attackers to extract NTLM hashes from the server’s service account and delete files on the server machine. By exploiting authorized management agents, attackers can escalate privileges, compromising both data confidentiality and system integrity.

This vulnerability is rooted in the VSPC server’s insufficient safeguards against unauthorized operations executed via authorized management agents. Attackers can extract NTLM hashes—critical for authentication in Windows environments—potentially allowing them to impersonate the server or escalate their privileges within the network. Additionally, the ability to delete files compounds the threat, creating opportunities for operational disruption and data loss.

Exploitation and Impact

Attackers leveraging CVE-2024-42449 can:

• Extract NTLM Hashes: Accessing these hashes allows attackers to move laterally within the network, impersonating the compromised service account.
• Delete Server Files: Targeted file deletion could disrupt operations, compromise backups, or remove critical logs that track malicious activities.
• Escalate Privileges: With access to NTLM hashes, attackers can potentially elevate their privileges to administrator levels, gaining broader control over the server and connected systems.
• Compromise Data Confidentiality and Integrity: Both file deletion and NTLM hash extraction can lead to breaches of sensitive information and undermine trust in the affected systems.

The combination of privilege escalation and data manipulation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments relying on VSPC servers for infrastructure management.

Mitigation and Remediation

To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2024-42449:

1. Apply Updates Promptly: Implement the latest patches or updates provided by the VSPC vendor to address this vulnerability.
2. Restrict Agent Access: Limit the permissions and access levels of management agents to minimize their ability to execute harmful commands.
3. Monitor for Unauthorized Actions: Use logging and monitoring tools to track activities related to NTLM hashes and file modifications.
4. Secure NTLM Hashes: Enhance protections for authentication data by implementing features like NTLMv2 or Kerberos and by applying strict password policies.
5. Strengthen File Access Controls: Ensure critical files on the VSPC server are protected against unauthorized deletion or modifications.

CVE-2024-42449 highlights the risks associated with inadequate security measures in server management environments. The ability to extract NTLM hashes and delete server files underscores the need for robust access controls, proactive monitoring, and timely patching.

To protect your systems, stay up-to-date with vendor advisories and enforce stringent security practices. Taking immediate action is key to preventing privilege escalation and maintaining the integrity of your VSPC environment.

9. CVE-2024-9474: Privilege Escalation Vulnerability Allowing Root Command Execution on Firewalls

There’s a large privilege escalation issue in firewall systems that lets authenticated attackers with administrative privileges run root-privileged commands. This bug reflects risks of privilege escalation on key network infrastructure where attackers can gain full access to targeted systems and disrupt the functioning.

This is a flaw that can happen when firewalls don’t isolate admin rights from root privileges properly. Authenticated attackers with already admin credentials could use this vulnerability to execute code as root without the need for a system-safety restriction. This flaw often is bundled with existing authentication bypass exploits, making it even worse.

Exploitation and Impact 

Attackers exploiting CVE-2024-9474 can achieve: 

• Execution of Commands Root: With this access, attackers can install malware, reconfigure the system, and disable important security features.
• System Overwrite: Attackers can steal root access to firewalls and take over networks and potentially switch to other systems.
• Operational Issues: Changing or removing firewall rules will break key network operations, including business continuity and service.

This issue is particularly worrisome in systems where firewalls are your first line of defense against outsiders.

Mitigation and Remediation 

Respond to CVE-2024-9474:

• Patch Firewalls with Vulnerabilities: Install the latest firewall vendor firmware or patch to patch this issue.
• Least Privilege Access: Grant admin rights only to the users who need them and are not susceptible to exploitation.
• Monitor administrator activity: Log and monitor administrator activity and flag abuse of high privileges.
• Authentication Enablements: Enable the Admin accounts to have stronger authentication like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and token rotation.
• Configurations on the Systems: Regularly inspect firewalls to make sure no one has stepped on them.

CVE-2024-9474 points to the need for secure privilege management on critical infrastructure such as firewalls. As it allows authenticated attackers to execute root commands, the bug allows for system abuse and service disruptions.

Patching, monitoring and access management should be top priorities for organisations to keep their network environment safe and secure. Keep up with vendor updates and take preventive security steps to prevent exploitation.

10. CVE-2024-0012: Critical Authentication Bypass Vulnerability in PAN-OS

CVE-2024-0012 is a very exploitable flaw in PAN-OS, the OS used on Palo Alto Networks’ firewall machines. This authentication bypass bug permits a remote attacker with no authentication to be granted administrative privileges in the management web console for running arbitrary commands and full system compromise. The flaw can severely impact the organizations that use PAN-OS to secure their networks.

The vulnerability results from PAN-OS authentication vulnerabilities. Attackers can use this vulnerability to evade authentication on the management web console and get admin rights with a false credential. Inside, hackers can use arbitrary commands, edit settings, and compromise compromised systems.

Exploitation and Impact  

Attackers leveraging CVE-2024-0012 can achieve: 

• Admin Privileges: With admin access, attackers are able to do anything they want with the targeted PAN-OS system.
• Arbitrary Command Execution: An attacker can access the admin level to run arbitrary commands that disable security or create persistent access.
• Systems Level Mistake: Misconfigured systems can cause damage to network security, breach data, and halt vital functions without permission.

Since PAN-OS appliances are the primary determinant of network security, this flaw is highly detrimental to the organizational infrastructure.

Mitigation and Remediation 

In response to CVE-2024-0012, organizations:

• Use Security Patches Immediately: Palo Alto Networks released fixes for this issue. Update all PAN-OS hardware to the most recent secure version.
• Deny Access To Management Web Interface: Deny access to the management web interface to authorized networks or IP addresses.
• Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): An extra level of security can guard admin access.
• Alert for Unauthorized Access: Examine access logs regularly for any evidence of unauthorized login attempts or anomalous activity.
• Security of Networks: Network segmentation and firewall policies to reduce PAN-OS device attack surface.

CVE-2024-0012: Protect administrative interfaces of network management devices. Such full-system compromises demand prompt patching and strong access controls. PAN-OS running organisations should focus on remediation to protect their systems from this real-life threat.

Learn about official Palo Alto Networks security alerts and take preventative steps to minimize risk. Security of administrative access is still a key part of any good cybersecurity defense.

These vulnerabilities highlight the ongoing battle between defenders and attackers in the digital landscape. As adversaries exploit new and existing flaws with increasing sophistication, organizations must prioritize proactive security measures, rapid patch deployment, and continuous monitoring to mitigate risks effectively. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore each vulnerability in detail, providing actionable insights to safeguard your systems.