CVE-2023-24903:Windows Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2023-24903)

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CVE-2023-24903 is a critical vulnerability in the Windows Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-362 (Race Condition) and affects Windows systems that have the SSTP service enabled. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially take complete control of the affected system.

Overview

The Windows Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is a Microsoft proprietary protocol used to create VPN tunnels. This vulnerability exists due to a race condition in the SSTP implementation that could be exploited by a remote unauthenticated attacker to execute code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the way SSTP handles certain operations, potentially allowing an attacker to corrupt memory and execute arbitrary code. Since SSTP is often exposed to untrusted networks to enable remote VPN connections, this vulnerability presents a significant security risk for organizations using Windows VPN solutions.

Remediation

To mitigate this vulnerability, Microsoft recommends applying the security updates provided in their security advisory. System administrators should:

  1. Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft for affected Windows systems.
  2. If immediate patching is not possible, consider temporarily disabling the SSTP service if it's not critical for operations.
  3. Implement network-level protections to restrict access to SSTP services only to trusted networks and users.
  4. Monitor for unusual network traffic or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.
  5. Ensure that all VPN configurations follow security best practices, including proper authentication and encryption.

References

  1. Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) Advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-24903
  2. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-362): Race Condition
  3. Microsoft Security Update Guide for detailed patch information and affected products

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  5. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  6. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  7. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  8. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Utilities
    Utilities
  11. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  12. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  13. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  14. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  15. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  16. Construction
    Construction
  17. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  18. Mining
    Mining
  19. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  20. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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