CVE-2019-1315 Microsoft Windows: 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 Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Windows Error Reporting Manager Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows
- CISA description
- A privilege escalation vulnerability exists when Windows Error Reporting manager improperly handles hard links. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could overwrite a targeted file leading to an elevated status.
- 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-2019-1315 ·
Questions about CVE-2019-1315
Is CVE-2019-1315 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2019-1315 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-2019-1315?
Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2019-1315?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.