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Exploited in the wildComputers & everyday appsCould reach you

CVE-2023-32049 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 Aug 1, 2023

What to do

  1. Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. 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 Defender SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Product
Microsoft Windows
CISA description
Microsoft Windows Defender SmartScreen contains a security feature bypass vulnerability that allows an attacker to bypass the Open File - Security Warning prompt.
Type of flaw
Login or permission bypass
Confirmed exploited
Jul 11, 2023
US federal patch deadline
Aug 1, 2023

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Answering about CVE-2023-32049 ·

Questions about CVE-2023-32049

Is CVE-2023-32049 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-32049 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-2023-32049?

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-2023-32049?

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

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