CVE-2019-0543KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

High · published January 8, 2019

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 91.8th percentile for exploit probability.

1662
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
5%
Percentile
91.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 An attacker could exploit a simple authentication flaw to gain full privileges on vulnerable Windows systems! ⚡ This elevation of privilege vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions, including Windows 10 and Server 2019. Think of this like a hotel with a faulty keycard system — guests can wander into restricted areas without proper clearance because the system isn't checking who they really are. The consequence? Anyone could have the run of the place! With this vulnerability, an attacker can effectively become a super-user, accessing sensitive information and making unauthorized changes to the system. Imagine anyone being able to control the guest list, change room assignments, or even lock the owners out! It's absolutely devastating.

Put simply

Think of this like a hotel with a faulty keycard system — guests can wander into restricted areas without proper clearance because the system isn't checking who they really are. The consequence? Anyone could have the run of the place! The flaw occurs because Windows improperly handles authentication requests, allowing an attacker to elevate their privileges without the typical security checks. This could lead to unauthorized access to data and system functions.

What to do

With this vulnerability, an attacker can effectively become a super-user, accessing sensitive information and making unauthorized changes to the system. Imagine anyone being able to control the guest list, change room assignments, or even lock the owners out! It's absolutely devastating. To protect your systems, ensure you apply the latest security updates from Microsoft immediately. Specifically, patch to the most recent versions of Windows and Server to close this loophole. Regularly monitor and audit authentication processes to catch any suspicious activity. You've got this! With these steps, you can secure your systems and maintain your superhero status in cybersecurity! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.04718 · 91.8th percentile
Published
2019-01-08T21:00Z
KEV added
2022-03-15 · due 2022-04-05
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 15 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Apr 5
    kev
  • 08 JAN 21:00Z
    An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles authentication requests, aka "Microsoft Windows Elevation of Privilege…
    cvelistv5