CVE-2023-36584KEV · OVERDUE

Windows Mark of the Web Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Medium · published October 10, 2023

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 88.2th percentile for exploit probability.

1052
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
5.4
EPSS
3%
Percentile
88.2
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky bypass allows files to escape safety checks with just a tweak! This CVE shows that even Windows' security features can sometimes be a bit too trusting. 😲 Think of it like a hotel that skips checking IDs at check-in. A guest could slip in with a fake reservation, and suddenly they’re roaming the halls with access to places they shouldn’t be! If an attacker exploits this vulnerability, they could run malicious files that should have been blocked, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the system. A user might unknowingly execute harmful code, putting their data at risk and opening the door to further attacks.

Put simply

Think of it like a hotel that skips checking IDs at check-in. A guest could slip in with a fake reservation, and suddenly they’re roaming the halls with access to places they shouldn’t be! This vulnerability arises from a flaw in the Mark of the Web (MOTW) security feature, allowing attackers to bypass security warnings for untrusted files. It essentially trusts the wrong signals, letting risky content execute with fewer checks than intended.

What to do

If an attacker exploits this vulnerability, they could run malicious files that should have been blocked, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the system. A user might unknowingly execute harmful code, putting their data at risk and opening the door to further attacks. To mitigate this risk, ensure that your Windows version is updated with the latest security patches. Also, educate users about the risks of running files from untrusted sources, and consider implementing additional file validation processes where possible. You've got this! With these steps, you'll keep your systems secure and restore safety like a security hero! 🛡️

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/E:F/RL:O/RC:C
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.03251 · 88.2th percentile
Published
2023-10-10T17:07Z
KEV added
2023-11-16 · due 2023-12-07
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 16 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Dec 7
    kev
  • 10 OCT 17:07Z
    Windows Mark of the Web Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
    cvelistv5