CVE-2024-21412 Microsoft Windows: security feature bypass
In plain words: A built-in safety check — like a warning before opening a downloaded file — can be skipped. Makes other attacks, like malicious downloads, work without the usual warning.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Mar 5, 2024
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Windows Internet Shortcut Files Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows
- CISA description
- Microsoft Windows Internet Shortcut Files contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for a security feature bypass.
- Type of flaw
- Security feature bypass (CWE-693)
- Confirmed exploited
- Feb 13, 2024 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Mar 5, 2024
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Answering about CVE-2024-21412 ·
Questions about CVE-2024-21412
Is CVE-2024-21412 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2024-21412 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Feb 13, 2024, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2024-21412?
Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2024-21412?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.