Privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

1) Race condition

EUVDB-ID: #VU70995

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 5.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-21725

CWE-ID: CWE-362 - Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization ('Race Condition')

Exploit availability: No

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to a race condition in Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. A local user can exploit the race and escalate privileges on the system.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT): 32-bit - 64-bit

External links

http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2023-21725

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.