Windows Themes Spoofing Vulnerability: A New Threat to User Privacy
CVE-2024-21320

6.5MEDIUM

Key Information:

Vendor
Microsoft
Status
Windows 10 Version 1809
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 (server Core Installation)
Windows Server 2022
Vendor
CVE Published:
9 January 2024

Badges

📈 Score: 161👾 Exploit Exists📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2024-21320?

CVE-2024-21320 is a vulnerability found within the Windows operating system, specifically related to its theming feature. This vulnerability enables malicious actors to exploit weaknesses in the way themes are handled, potentially undermining user privacy and security. By leveraging this vulnerability, attackers may create deceptive themes that masquerade as legitimate, tricking users into disclosing sensitive information or allowing unauthorized access to their systems. The implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning for organizations that rely on Windows for their daily operations, as it could lead to significant security breaches and compromise sensitive data.

Technical Details

The Windows Themes Spoofing Vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the system's theme settings, creating a convincing counterfeit appearance. This manipulation can involve altering visual elements, such as icons or windows, to mislead users. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability through social engineering tactics, persuading users to interact with the malicious themes, which can then lead to further exploits or data theft. Specific implementation details about how the vulnerability operates can be found in the technical references provided by Microsoft.

Potential Impact of CVE-2024-21320

  1. User Deception: The vulnerability can extensively deceive users, leading them to believe they are interacting with official and secure interfaces. This can result in unauthorized data access and manipulation.

  2. Privacy Breaches: Organizations may face significant risks, including the exposure of sensitive information, as attackers can utilize the vulnerability to gather personal or proprietary data from misled users.

  3. Increased Attack Surface: The successful exploitation of this vulnerability can serve as a gateway for further attacks, potentially enabling malware deployment, network intrusion, and compromise of organizational assets.

Affected Version(s)

Windows 10 Version 1507 32-bit Systems 10.0.10240.0 < 10.0.10240.20402

Windows 10 Version 1607 32-bit Systems 10.0.14393.0 < 10.0.14393.6614

Windows 10 Version 1809 32-bit Systems 10.0.17763.0 < 10.0.17763.5329

News Articles

favicon image

Recurring Windows Flaw Could Expose User Credentials

Now a zero-day, the vulnerability enables NTLM hash theft, an issue that Microsoft has already fixed twice before.

3 months ago

favicon imageBleepingComputer

New Windows Themes zero-day gets free, unofficial patches

Free unofficial patches are now available for a new Windows Themes zero-day vulnerability that allows attackers to steal a target's NTLM credentials remotely.

3 months ago

favicon imageHelp Net Security

Patching problems: The "return" of a Windows Themes spoofing vulnerability - Help Net Security

Despite two patching attempts, a Windows Themes spoofing vulnerability still affects Microsoft's operating system.

3 months ago

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE...
vendor-advisory

CVSS V3.1

Score:
6.5
Severity:
MEDIUM
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
None
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
Required
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 📰

    First article discovered by Akamai

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.