In October 2024, several critical vulnerabilities were identified in Windows systems, affecting various components such as Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Remote Desktop Client, Windows RRAS, OpenSSH, and more. These vulnerabilities, collectively rated as high or critical severity by Microsoft, pose significant risks, including Remote Code Execution (RCE), which could lead to complete system compromise. This article aims to provide an in-depth technical analysis of each vulnerability, outline the patches released by Microsoft, and present PowerShell scripts to ensure these patches are installed on affected systems.
1. CVE-2024-43572 – Microsoft Management Console (MMC) RCE
This vulnerability in the Microsoft Management Console allows remote code execution when specially crafted Microsoft Saved Console (MSC) files are opened, consistent with the blog description. It’s categorized as a high-severity flaw with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating significant risks of system compromise, and Microsoft confirmed it was exploited as a zero-day before patch release. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43572
2. CVE-2024-43573 – MSHTML Spoofing Vulnerability
This spoofing vulnerability within MSHTML can allow attackers to manipulate the user interface to deceive users, potentially leading to the execution of malicious commands. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43573.
3. CVE-2024-43468 – Microsoft Configuration Manager RCE
A critical RCE vulnerability that affects Microsoft Configuration Manager. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to run arbitrary commands, compromising the integrity and availability of Configuration Manager servers. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43468.
4. CVE-2024-43533 – Remote Desktop Client RCE
This vulnerability affects the Remote Desktop Client, enabling remote code execution by leveraging compromised Remote Desktop Servers. Attackers can use this to gain unauthorized control over client machines. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43533
5. CVE-2024-43599 – Remote Desktop Client RCE
Similar to CVE-2024-43533, this vulnerability allows for RCE within the Remote Desktop Client, especially after initial server compromise. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43599.
6. CVE-2024-43526 – Windows Mobile Broadband Driver RCE
This vulnerability in the Windows Mobile Broadband Driver enables attackers to execute remote commands, potentially compromising system security and affecting connectivity. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43526
7. CVE-2024-43564 – Windows RRAS RCE
This vulnerability in Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) allows for remote code execution, potentially affecting network security. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43564.
8. CVE-2024-43589 – Windows RRAS RCE
Similar to CVE-2024-43564, this vulnerability in Windows RRAS allows attackers to execute remote commands, affecting system network configurations. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43589.
9. CVE-2024-43574 – Microsoft Speech API RCE
This vulnerability affects the Microsoft Speech API, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that can be executed during speech processing. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43574.
10. CVE-2024-43581 – OpenSSH for Windows RCE
This vulnerability exists within OpenSSH for Windows, enabling remote code execution (RCE) when attackers send specially crafted SSH packets. The flaw arises due to inadequate input validation within the OpenSSH implementation, which could allow unauthorized access and execution of arbitrary commands on the targeted system. Successful exploitation could result in full control of the affected system, posing significant risks, particularly in environments that heavily rely on SSH for secure communications and administration. MSRC Advisory for CVE-2024-43581.
Patch Script
if (-not ([Security.Principal.WindowsPrincipal] [Security.Principal.WindowsIdentity]::GetCurrent()).IsInRole([Security.Principal.WindowsBuiltInRole] “Administrator”)) {
Write-Host “Please run this script as an Administrator!” -ForegroundColor Red
exit
}
function Is-KBInstalled {
param ([string]$KBID)
$kbInstalled = Get-HotFix | Where-Object { $_.HotFixID -eq $KBID }
return $kbInstalled -ne $null
}
function Install-KB {
param ([string]$KBID)
$response = Read-Host “KB$KBID is not installed. Install it? (Y/N)”
if ($response -eq “Y”) {
Write-Host “Installing KB$KBID…” -ForegroundColor Cyan
Start-Process “wusa.exe” -ArgumentList “/KB:$KBID /quiet /norestart” -Wait
Write-Host “Installation of KB$KBID is complete.” -ForegroundColor Green
} else {
Write-Host “Installation of KB$KBID was canceled.” -ForegroundColor Yellow
}
}
$KBList = @(“KB5044284”, “KB5044281”, “KB5044285”, “KB5044288”)
foreach ($KBID in $KBList) {
if (!(Is-KBInstalled -KBID $KBID)) {
Install-KB -KBID $KBID
} else {
Write-Host “KB$KBID is already installed.” -ForegroundColor Green
}
}
Write-Host “All updates have been processed.” -ForegroundColor Green
Conclusion
The security vulnerabilities identified in October 2024 present serious threats to Windows-based environments, particularly in enterprise settings. Proper mitigation through timely patching is crucial to prevent potential exploitation, unauthorized access, and full system compromise. Each CVE described here highlights the ongoing importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures, validating software components, and closely monitoring network activities. By implementing the provided PowerShell scripts, system administrators can effectively verify and deploy the necessary patches, reinforcing their organization’s security posture.
References
- Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) advisories:
- Windows Update KB information:
