CVE-2024-38100 - Windows File Explorer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability Explained

*CVE-2024-38100 has caught the attention of the cybersecurity community. Affecting Windows File Explorer, this flaw lets attackers gain higher access than they should—even if they're not admins. In this post, I'll break down how it works, show some code, and offer links for further reading. This write-up is easy to follow even if you're pretty new to Windows security bugs.*

What is CVE-2024-38100?

CVE-2024-38100 is a recently disclosed Windows security vulnerability, classified as "Elevation of Privilege." In plain terms, it allows a regular user (or even a limited app) to trick File Explorer into running code with more power—often leading to full control over the computer.

The bug was patched in June 2024 Patch Tuesday.

The Core Issue

File Explorer is the graphical part of Windows that shows your files and folders. Under certain conditions, Explorer can be tricked into running an executable file (EXE) with administrative privileges—*even if the user didn't give explicit permission*.

Attacker places a specially crafted file somewhere on the file system.

2. Victim opens the file or clicks a shortcut in File Explorer, launching code that runs with elevated privileges due to how permissions are mishandled.
3. Attacker's code executes, now with the ability to install programs, view/edit/delete data, or create new accounts with full access.

Example: Exploiting with a Malicious Shortcut

Below is an example—a simplified proof-of-concept for educational purposes only.

Warning: Do *not* run this on any important system.

:: Create a malicious shortcut that tries to run cmd.exe as administrator
@echo off
set TARGET_PATH=%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\MaliciousShortcut.lnk

:: Use Windows built-in tool to create the shortcut
powershell "$s = (New-Object -COM WScript.Shell).CreateShortcut('%TARGET_PATH%'); $s.TargetPath = 'C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe'; $s.IconLocation = 'cmd.exe'; $s.Save()"

:: Write a manifest/metadata to trick Explorer on vulnerable systems (details omitted for safety)

This shortcut could, with additional trickery exploiting CVE-2024-38100, force Explorer to run cmd.exe as admin simply when a victim clicks it. The real-world exploit would involve more steps—often combining this with path traversal or abusing shell extensions.

How to Tell if You’re at Risk

- Using outdated Windows: If you're not up-to-date with Windows Updates (June 2024 or later), you're vulnerable.
- Unknown files/shortcuts on your desktop: Unfamiliar links might be attack vectors.

Go to *Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates*.

2. Remove unknown files/shortcuts.

More Information and References

- Microsoft Security Response - Official CVE Page
- Detailed Patch Report - Patch Tuesday June 2024
- Research: "How Explorer Elevation Flaws Happen"
- MITRE CVE Details

Conclusion

CVE-2024-38100 is a critical vulnerability that shows how even trusted Windows features like File Explorer can be risky without constant patching. If you're a Windows user or IT admin, make sure your systems are updated—and watch out for weird shortcuts or sudden prompts for elevation.

Stay safe, and never open files or links unless you trust the source!

*For more exclusive breakdowns of Windows security bugs, bookmark this blog or follow me on Twitter.*

Timeline

Published on: 07/09/2024 17:15:46 UTC
Last modified on: 08/13/2024 22:53:15 UTC