CVE-2022-26923 Microsoft Active Directory: 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 Sep 8, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Active Directory. 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 Active Directory Domain Services Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Active Directory
- CISA description
- An authenticated user could manipulate attributes on computer accounts they own or manage, and acquire a certificate from Active Directory Certificate Services that would allow for privilege escalation to SYSTEM.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-295)
- Confirmed exploited
- Aug 18, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Sep 8, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2022-26923 ·
Questions about CVE-2022-26923
Is CVE-2022-26923 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2022-26923 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Aug 18, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2022-26923?
Install Microsoft's security update for Active Directory. 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-2022-26923?
Only if you use Microsoft Active Directory. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.