CVE-2019-1132KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

High · published July 29, 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 95.6th percentile for exploit probability.

1662
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
10%
Percentile
95.6
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 This Windows vulnerability might just let a sneaky attacker elevate their privileges like a VIP pass at a concert! ⚡ Think of it like a security guard who lets anyone with a fake ID slip past the ropes at a club. The Win32k component is that guard failing to verify the credentials of memory objects, allowing unauthorized access to restricted areas. An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code at a higher privilege level, meaning they could access sensitive data, install malicious software, or even take complete control of the compromised system. It’s absolutely devastating, putting your entire network at risk!

Put simply

Think of it like a security guard who lets anyone with a fake ID slip past the ropes at a club. The Win32k component is that guard failing to verify the credentials of memory objects, allowing unauthorized access to restricted areas. This elevation of privilege vulnerability occurs in Windows when the Win32k component improperly handles memory objects, allowing an attacker to gain greater control than they should have.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code at a higher privilege level, meaning they could access sensitive data, install malicious software, or even take complete control of the compromised system. It’s absolutely devastating, putting your entire network at risk! Update your Windows operating system to the latest version immediately. Microsoft has released patches addressing this vulnerability; make sure to install them and regularly check for updates. Consider implementing stricter access controls to minimize risks. You can tackle this vulnerability head-on! Stay vigilant and keep your systems updated, and you'll help keep the internet safe! 🛡️

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
0.09867 · 95.6th percentile
Published
2019-07-29T14:13Z
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
  • 29 JUL 14:13Z
    An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Win32k Elevation of…
    cvelistv5