CVE-2021-40450 Microsoft Win32k: privilege escalation
In plain words: Something running with limited rights can promote itself to full control. Turns a small foothold (like a malicious app) into administrator or system-level access.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline May 16, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Win32k. 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. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
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 Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Win32k
- CISA description
- Microsoft Win32k contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation
- Confirmed exploited
- Apr 25, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- May 16, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2021-40450 ·
Questions about CVE-2021-40450
Is CVE-2021-40450 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2021-40450 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Apr 25, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40450?
Install Microsoft's security update for Win32k. 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-2021-40450?
Only if you use Microsoft Win32k. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.