CVE-2021-24096 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was discovered on February 9, 2021, affecting multiple versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server products.

Understanding CVE-2021-24096

This CVE-2021-24096 vulnerability is related to an elevation of privilege issue within the Windows Kernel, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-24096?

The CVE-2021-24096 vulnerability is classified as an elevation of privilege vulnerability, indicating that an attacker could exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges on the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24096

With a base severity rating of HIGH (CVSS score: 7.8), this vulnerability can have a critical impact on affected systems, allowing threat actors to escalate their privileges and perform malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24096

The following technical details provide more insights into this security vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the Windows Kernel, specifically impacting Windows 10 Version 1809, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, and other related versions. It allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server are affected, including 1809, 2004, 20H2, 1607, and corresponding server versions. The vulnerability impacts x64-based systems and certain ARM64-based systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires local access to the system. By running a specially crafted application, an attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code and elevate privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24096 and enhance the security of your systems, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates provided by Microsoft to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs and user privileges for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update your Windows operating system with the latest security patches and fixes to protect your systems from known vulnerabilities.