Vulnerability identifier: #VU57249
Vulnerability risk: High
CVSSv3.1: 8.4 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]
CVE-ID:
CWE-ID:
CWE-416
Exploitation vector: Local
Exploit availability: Yes
Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components /
Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components /
Operating system
Vendor: Microsoft
Description
The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.
The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the Win32k NtGdiResetDC function in Microsoft Windows kernel. A local user can run a specially crafted program to trigger a use-after-free error, when the function ResetDC is executed a second time for the same handle during execution of its own callback, and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
Note, the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.
Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.
Vulnerable software versions
Windows: 10 - 10 S, 7, 8.1 - 8.1 RT, 11 21H2
Windows Server: 2008 - 2019 2004
External links
http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-40449
http://securelist.com/mysterysnail-attacks-with-windows-zero-day/104509/
http://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/b7fb3623e31fb36fc3d3a4d99829e42910cad4da4fa7429a2d99a838e004366e
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?
Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.