CVE-2022-41049KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Windows Mark of the Web (MOTW) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Medium · published November 10, 2022

Patch now

The score understates this — it's already being exploited

CVSS calls it medium at 5.4. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 85.4th percentile for exploit probability.

1416
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
5.4
EPSS
3%
Percentile
85.4
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky feature bypass could let malicious files escape their sandbox! This Windows vulnerability allows unauthorized access to potentially harmful content. 🔥 Think of it like a hotel room key that opens not only your own room but also the utility closet where cleaning supplies are stored. If a rogue guest discovers this, they could cause some serious chaos! An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious files without proper restrictions, potentially spreading harmful software across your system. The implications could range from data theft to complete system compromise, making it a risk you shouldn't ignore.

Put simply

Think of it like a hotel room key that opens not only your own room but also the utility closet where cleaning supplies are stored. If a rogue guest discovers this, they could cause some serious chaos! This Windows Mark of the Web feature bypass vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the way the system handles files with specific security markings, enabling them to execute untrusted content outside the intended security boundaries.

What to do

An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious files without proper restrictions, potentially spreading harmful software across your system. The implications could range from data theft to complete system compromise, making it a risk you shouldn't ignore. Ensure your Windows systems are updated to the latest security patches, specifically focusing on hardening file handling settings. Regularly audit file access permissions and educate users about safe downloading practices. You've got this! Stay vigilant and implement these steps to secure your systems. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
5.4 · MEDIUM
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02634 · 85.4th percentile
Published
2022-11-10T03:15Z
KEV added
2022-11-14 · due 2022-12-09
Affected products (12)
ProductVersionsFixed in
microsoft/windows_10_1507< 10.0.10240.1956710.0.10240.19567
microsoft/windows_10_1607< 10.0.14393.550110.0.14393.5501
microsoft/windows_10_1809< 10.0.17763.365010.0.17763.3650
microsoft/windows_10_20h2< 10.0.19042.225110.0.19042.2251
microsoft/windows_10_21h1< 10.0.19043.225110.0.19043.2251
microsoft/windows_10_21h2< 10.0.19044.225110.0.19044.2251
microsoft/windows_10_22h2< 10.0.19045.225110.0.19045.2251
microsoft/windows_11_21h2< 10.0.22000.121910.0.22000.1219
microsoft/windows_11_22h2< 10.0.22621.81910.0.22621.819
microsoft/windows_server_2016< 10.0.14393.550110.0.14393.5501
microsoft/windows_server_2019< 10.0.17763.365010.0.17763.3650
microsoft/windows_server_2022< 10.0.20348.124910.0.20348.1249
References (3)
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 14 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Dec 9
    kev
  • 09 NOV 00:00Z
    Windows Mark of the Web Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
    cvelistv5