Microsoft has issued a critical security warning urging customers to patch a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Windows systems using IPv6. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-38063, was discovered by XiaoWei from Kunlun Lab and is caused by an Integer Underflow weakness. The flaw affects Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems, making them susceptible to exploitation through crafted IPv6 packets. Microsoft has labeled this issue as “exploitation more likely,” signaling the urgency for immediate action.
The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems by repeatedly sending specially crafted IPv6 packets. Even though blocking IPv6 on the local firewall won’t prevent this exploit from triggering, Microsoft advises customers who cannot apply the patch immediately to disable IPv6 entirely. However, Microsoft also warns that disabling IPv6 may cause other components in Windows systems to malfunction, as the IPv6 protocol stack is a core part of the operating system since Windows Vista and newer versions.
Security experts have highlighted the seriousness of this vulnerability, with Dustin Childs from Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative labeling it a “wormable” flaw. This means the vulnerability could potentially be used by attackers to spread malicious code across networks without user interaction, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation. Microsoft has previously dealt with similar IPv6 vulnerabilities, including the “Ping of Death” and other TCP/IP flaws, adding to concerns about the growing threat of IPv6-based attacks.
Despite no evidence of current widespread exploitation of CVE-2024-38063, Microsoft and security researchers have emphasized the importance of applying this month’s Windows security updates. Over the past few years, multiple IPv6-related vulnerabilities have been patched, but this latest issue poses a significant risk, given its potential for remote execution and system compromise. Users are strongly advised to prioritize installing the necessary updates to secure their systems from possible attacks.
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