#VU55696 Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls in Windows Update Assistant - CVE-2021-36945

Vulnerability identifier: #VU55696

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-36945

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Windows Update Assistant
Client/Desktop applications / Other client software

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to application does not properly impose security restrictions in the Windows 10 Update Assistant, which leads to security restrictions bypass and privilege escalation.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows Update Assistant: All versions

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External links
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-36945

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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.