Privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Defender
| Risk | Low |
| Patch available | YES |
| Number of vulnerabilities | 1 |
| CVE-ID | CVE-2022-37971 |
| CWE-ID | CWE-36 |
| Exploitation vector | Local |
| Public exploit | Public exploit code for vulnerability #1 is available. |
| Vulnerable software Subscribe |
Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Client/Desktop applications / Antivirus software/Personal firewalls |
| Vendor | Microsoft |
Security Bulletin
This security bulletin contains one low risk vulnerability.
1) Absolute Path Traversal
EUVDB-ID: #VU68139
Risk: Low
CVSSv3.1: 7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]
CVE-ID: CVE-2022-37971
CWE-ID:
CWE-36 - Absolute Path Traversal
Exploit availability: Yes
DescriptionThe vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.
The vulnerability exists due to insufficient path processing in the Microsoft Windows Defender. A local user can delete arbitrary files and folders on the system and escalate privileges.
Install updates from vendor's website.
Vulnerable software versionsMicrosoft Malware Protection Engine: All versions
External linkshttp://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2022-37971
http://i.blackhat.com/EU-22/Wednesday-Briefings/EU-22-Yair-Aikido-Turning-EDRs-to-Malicious-Wipers.pdf
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. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.
