CVE-2019-1069 Microsoft Task Scheduler: file path flaw
In plain words: The program can be tricked into reading or writing files outside the folder it should stay in. Leaks files such as passwords and settings, or overwrites important ones.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Apr 5, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Task Scheduler. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Keep a list of every internet-facing server you run so nothing is forgotten.
- Patch anything in this catalog first, ahead of normal patch cycles.
- Put admin and file-transfer apps behind a VPN or single sign-on instead of the open internet.
Who is affected
Work IT. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.
What's at risk: Mass data theft and ransomware: a single flaw in a file-transfer or email server has exposed thousands of organisations at once.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Task Scheduler Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Task Scheduler
- CISA description
- A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the way the Task Scheduler Service validates certain file operations.
- Type of flaw
- File path flaw (CWE-59)
- Confirmed exploited
- Mar 15, 2022 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Apr 5, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2019-1069 ·
Questions about CVE-2019-1069
Is CVE-2019-1069 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2019-1069 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 15, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2019-1069?
Install Microsoft's security update for Task Scheduler. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Keep a list of every internet-facing server you run so nothing is forgotten.
Am I affected by CVE-2019-1069?
Only if you use Microsoft Task Scheduler. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.