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  3. CVE-2022-41033
Exploited in the wildComputers & everyday appsCould reach you

CVE-2022-41033 Microsoft Windows COM+ Event System Service: memory-safety flaw

In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.

Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Nov 1, 2022

What to do

  1. Install Microsoft's security update for Windows COM+ Event System Service. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
  2. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
  3. Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
  4. Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.

Read Microsoft's advisory ↗

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 Windows COM+ Event System Service Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Product
Microsoft Windows COM+ Event System Service
CISA description
Microsoft Windows COM+ Event System Service contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
Type of flaw
Memory-safety flaw (CWE-843)
Confirmed exploited
Oct 11, 2022
US federal patch deadline
Nov 1, 2022

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Answering about CVE-2022-41033 ·

Questions about CVE-2022-41033

Is CVE-2022-41033 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2022-41033 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Oct 11, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.

How do I fix CVE-2022-41033?

Install Microsoft's security update for Windows COM+ Event System Service. 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-2022-41033?

Only if you use Microsoft Windows COM+ Event System Service. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.

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