CVE-2022-41091 Microsoft Windows: login or permission bypass
In plain words: A door that should be locked is not: part of the system can be reached without a valid login or permission. The attacker gets in as a user or administrator without knowing a password.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Dec 9, 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 Mark of the Web (MOTW) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows
- CISA description
- Microsoft Windows Mark of the Web (MOTW) contains a security feature bypass vulnerability resulting in a limited loss of integrity and availability of security features.
- Type of flaw
- Login or permission bypass (CWE-863)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 8, 2022 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Dec 9, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2022-41091 ·
Questions about CVE-2022-41091
Is CVE-2022-41091 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2022-41091 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 8, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2022-41091?
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-2022-41091?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.