CVE-2023-36874 Microsoft Windows: file path flaw
In plain words: The program can be tricked into reading or writing files outside the folder it should stay in. Leaks files such as passwords and settings, or overwrites important ones.
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.
- 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 Error Reporting Service Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows
- CISA description
- Microsoft Windows Error Reporting Service contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
- Type of flaw
- File path flaw (CWE-59)
- Confirmed exploited
- Jul 11, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Aug 1, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-36874 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-36874
Is CVE-2023-36874 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-36874 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-2023-36874?
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-2023-36874?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.