CVE-2023-28229 Microsoft Windows CNG Key Isolation Service: 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 Oct 25, 2023
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Windows CNG Key Isolation 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.
- 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 Windows CNG Key Isolation Service Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows CNG Key Isolation Service
- CISA description
- Microsoft Windows Cryptographic Next Generation (CNG) Key Isolation Service contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows an attacker to gain specific limited SYSTEM privileges.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-591)
- Confirmed exploited
- Oct 4, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Oct 25, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-28229 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-28229
Is CVE-2023-28229 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-28229 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Oct 4, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-28229?
Install Microsoft's security update for Windows CNG Key Isolation 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-2023-28229?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows CNG Key Isolation Service. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.