CVE-2024-20696 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to the Windows Libarchive Remote Code Execution Vulnerability identified and published by Microsoft on January 9, 2024. The vulnerability has been assigned a base severity rating of HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.3.

Understanding CVE-2024-20696

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2024-20696, including what it is, its impact, technical aspects, affected systems, and mitigation measures.

What is CVE-2024-20696?

The CVE-2024-20696, Windows Libarchive Remote Code Execution Vulnerability, enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely on the affected systems. This poses a significant security risk to the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the impacted systems.

The Impact of CVE-2024-20696

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as Remote Code Execution, opening the door for threat actors to exploit the system remotely. With a base severity rating of HIGH, the potential consequences of successful exploitation include unauthorized access, data theft, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-20696

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism in detail.

Vulnerability Description

The Windows Libarchive Remote Code Execution Vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code remotely, bypassing security protocols and gaining unauthorized access to the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Microsoft products are affected by CVE-2024-20696:

Windows 10 Version 1809
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2022
Windows 11 version 21H2
Windows 10 Version 21H2
Windows 11 version 22H2
Windows 10 Version 22H2
Windows 11 version 22H3
Windows 11 Version 23H2
Windows Server 2022, 23H2 Edition (Server Core installation)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting and executing a specifically designed code payload to trigger the remote code execution on the targeted systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2024-20696 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Microsoft recommends applying the latest security updates and patches provided to address the vulnerability promptly.
Implementing robust network security measures and access controls can help mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating and patching the operating systems and software to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Conducting security audits and vulnerability assessments periodically to identify and address potential security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to stay informed about security updates released by Microsoft and apply them as soon as they become available to safeguard their systems against CVE-2024-20696.