CVE-2023-36874KEV · OVERDUECWE-59

Windows Error Reporting Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

High · published July 11, 2023

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.

1180
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
43%
Percentile
98.7
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 An unpatched Windows Error Reporting Service is a goldmine for attackers! With just a little finesse, they can elevate their privileges and gain control over the system. ⚡ Think of this vulnerability like a sneaky backdoor in a high-security building. If an intruder manages to slip through the front entrance unnoticed, they can access areas that are usually off-limits, potentially wreaking havoc inside. This elevation of privilege vulnerability allows an attacker to run arbitrary code with elevated rights, effectively giving them the keys to the castle! Once inside, they could install malware, steal sensitive data, or even manipulate system settings, leading to potentially devastating consequences.

Put simply

Think of this vulnerability like a sneaky backdoor in a high-security building. If an intruder manages to slip through the front entrance unnoticed, they can access areas that are usually off-limits, potentially wreaking havoc inside. Specifically, the Windows Error Reporting Service fails to properly manage file permissions. This oversight enables a local attacker to execute malicious code in the context of the system account, thereby gaining elevated privileges.

What to do

This elevation of privilege vulnerability allows an attacker to run arbitrary code with elevated rights, effectively giving them the keys to the castle! Once inside, they could install malware, steal sensitive data, or even manipulate system settings, leading to potentially devastating consequences. To protect your systems, patch immediately to the latest version provided by Microsoft. Regularly audit user permissions and ensure that security configurations are tightened to minimize the risk of exploitation. You've got this! Stay proactive and keep your systems secure. 🛡️

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
0.42564 · 98.7th percentile
Weakness
CWE-59 · Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
Published
2023-07-11T17:03Z
KEV added
2023-07-11 · due 2023-08-01
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 11 JUL 17:03Z
    Windows Error Reporting Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
    cvelistv5
  • 11 JUL 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Aug 1
    kev