Privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Cleanup Manager



Published: 2022-01-11 | Updated: 2022-01-17
Risk Low
Patch available YES
Number of vulnerabilities 1
CVE-ID CVE-2022-21838
CWE-ID CWE-59
Exploitation vector Local
Public exploit N/A
Vulnerable software
Subscribe 		Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor Microsoft

Security Bulletin

This security bulletin contains one low risk vulnerability.

1) Link following

EUVDB-ID: #VU59472

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 2.9 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-21838

CWE-ID: CWE-59 - Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a link following issue within the SilentCleanup scheduled task. A local user can create a specially symbolic crafted link to critical folders on the system and force the task to delete the folder.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: 7 - 11 21H2 10.0.22000.194

Windows Server: 2008 R2 - 2022 10.0.20348.202

External links

http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2022-21838
http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-049/


Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.



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