CVE-2023-36884 Microsoft Windows: command or code injection
In plain words: The program treats text it receives as instructions instead of plain data. The attacker can run commands on the machine — often the whole device is taken over.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Aug 29, 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. 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 Search Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows
- CISA description
- Microsoft Windows Search contains an unspecified vulnerability that could allow an attacker to evade Mark of the Web (MOTW) defenses via a specially crafted malicious file, leading to remote code execution.
- Type of flaw
- Command or code injection (CWE-362)
- Confirmed exploited
- Jul 17, 2023 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Aug 29, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-36884 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-36884
Is CVE-2023-36884 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-36884 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jul 17, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2023-36884?
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-2023-36884?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.