CVE-2022-21999KEV · OVERDUE

Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

High · published February 9, 2022

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 98.7th percentile for exploit probability.

1652
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
41%
Percentile
98.7
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ A crafty elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Print Spooler could let attackers gain full control with just a single print job! 🚨 Think of the Print Spooler as a front desk clerk at a hotel. If a guest can convince the clerk to hand over a master key without proper ID, they can access any room they want – and that's exactly what this vulnerability enables! An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially turning their local access into full control over the system. They could install programs, manipulate data, or even create new accounts, effectively bringing havoc to your network.

Put simply

Think of the Print Spooler as a front desk clerk at a hotel. If a guest can convince the clerk to hand over a master key without proper ID, they can access any room they want – and that's exactly what this vulnerability enables! This elevation of privilege vulnerability occurs in the Windows Print Spooler due to improper handling of user input, allowing unauthorized users to execute code with higher permissions than intended.

What to do

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially turning their local access into full control over the system. They could install programs, manipulate data, or even create new accounts, effectively bringing havoc to your network. Immediately disable the Print Spooler service if it's not needed, or restrict it to only required users. Ensure all systems are updated with the latest security patches from Microsoft to safeguard against this exploit. Regularly audit permissions and monitor print jobs for signs of malicious activity. You've got this! With these steps, you can secure your system and restore peace of mind! 🛡️

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/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.41007 · 98.7th percentile
Published
2022-02-09T16:36Z
KEV added
2022-03-25 · due 2022-04-15
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 25 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Apr 15
    kev
  • 09 FEB 16:36Z
    Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
    cvelistv5