CVE-2023-32046 Microsoft Windows: 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 Aug 1, 2023
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.
- Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
- Keep extensions to a minimum and remove ones you do not recognise.
- Stop using Internet Explorer and any browser that no longer gets updates.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: A malicious or hacked website can be enough. Browser bugs are often the first step in a longer attack on the whole computer or phone.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Windows MSHTML Platform Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows
- CISA description
- Microsoft Windows MSHTML Platform contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation
- Confirmed exploited
- Jul 11, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Aug 1, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-32046 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-32046
Is CVE-2023-32046 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-32046 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jul 11, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-32046?
Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
Am I affected by CVE-2023-32046?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.