Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability Affects Windows Task Scheduler

CVE-2024-49039

8.8HIGH

Key Information

Vendor: Microsoft
Status: Windows Server 2025; Windows Server 2025 (server Core Installation); Windows 10 Version 1809; Windows Server 2019
Vendor: CVE Published:; 12 November 2024

Badges

😄 Trended👾 Exploit Exists🔴 Public PoC📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2024-49039?

CVE-2024-49039 is a vulnerability within the Windows Task Scheduler, a component that enables the automation of tasks on Windows operating systems. This specific vulnerability allows attackers to elevate their privileges, granting them more control over the system than they should possess. Such unauthorized access could be exploited to execute malicious operations, manipulate system settings, or access sensitive information, ultimately leading to significant operational disruptions or data compromises within an organization.

Technical Details

The vulnerability arises from improper validation within the Windows Task Scheduler. Attackers can exploit this flaw to escalate privileges, potentially allowing them to act with administrative rights despite limited user permissions. The flaw affects multiple versions of the Windows operating system, placing a wide range of systems at risk if left unaddressed. Exploitation techniques may involve crafting specific inputs or manipulating task configurations to leverage the vulnerability effectively.

Impact of the Vulnerability

Unauthorized Access: The primary risk associated with CVE-2024-49039 is the potential for attackers to gain unauthorized access to system-level privileges. This can facilitate further malicious actions, such as deploying malware or exfiltrating sensitive data.
Compromise of System Integrity: If successfully exploited, this vulnerability can lead to tampering with critical system processes and files. Attackers may manipulate configurations, disable security features, or alter system operations, compromising the overall system integrity.
Increased Risk of Data Breaches: With elevated privileges, an attacker can access confidential information stored on the affected systems, leading to data breaches that might have severe legal and financial ramifications for organizations. This could also have a damaging impact on customer trust and business reputation.

CISA Reported

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed CVE-2024-49039 as being exploited but is not known by the CISA to be used in ransomware campaigns. This is subject to change at pace as recent news articles suggest the vulnerability is being used by ransomware groups.

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Version(s)

Windows Server 2025 < 10.0.26100.2314

Windows Server 2025 < 10.0.26100.2240

Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) < 10.0.26100.2314

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

WPTaskScheduler_CVE-2024-49039
Created by je5442804