CVE-2021-1675Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed
Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution
CVE-2021-1675 is a high-severity vulnerability in Windows 10 Version 1809 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 10.0.17763.1999 as the first without the flaw, so updating Windows 10 Version 1809 to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on November 3, 2021, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Patch now
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Windows 10 Version 1809 to 10.0.17763.1999 or a later version.
- Update Windows Server 2019 to 10.0.17763.1999 or a later version.
- Update Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) to 10.0.17763.1999 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on portal.msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 1809 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.1999 | 10.0.17763.1999 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.1999 | 10.0.17763.1999 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.1999 | 10.0.17763.1999 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 1909 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.18363.1621 | 10.0.18363.1621 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 21H1 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19043.1052 | 10.0.19043.1052 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 2004 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19041.1052 | 10.0.19041.1052 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server version 2004 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19041.1052 | 10.0.19041.1052 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 20H2 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19042.1052 | 10.0.19042.1052 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server version 20H2 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19042.1052 | 10.0.19042.1052 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 1507 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.10240.18967 | 10.0.10240.18967 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 1607 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.4467 | 10.0.14393.4467 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2016 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.4467 | 10.0.14393.4467 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation) | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.4467 | 10.0.14393.4467 |
| Microsoft | Windows 7 | 6.1.0 up to, but not including, 6.1.7601.25632 | 6.1.7601.25632 |
| Microsoft | Windows 7 Service Pack 1 | 6.1.0 up to, but not including, 6.1.7601.25632 | 6.1.7601.25632 |
| Microsoft | Windows 8.1 | 6.3.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.20045; 6.3.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.20044 | 6.3.9600.20045, 6.3.9600.20044 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 | 6.0.0 up to, but not including, 6.0.6003.21137 | 6.0.6003.21137 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) | 6.0.0 up to, but not including, 6.0.6003.21137 | 6.0.6003.21137 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 | 6.1.0 up to, but not including, 6.1.7601.25632 | 6.1.7601.25632 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) | 6.0.0 up to, but not including, 6.1.7601.25632 | 6.1.7601.25632 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 | 6.2.0 up to, but not including, 6.2.9200.23372 | 6.2.9200.23372 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) | 6.2.0 up to, but not including, 6.2.9200.23372 | 6.2.9200.23372 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 R2 | 6.3.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.20045; 6.3.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.20044 | 6.3.9600.20045, 6.3.9600.20044 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) | 6.3.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.20045; 6.3.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.20044 | 6.3.9600.20045, 6.3.9600.20044 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1507 | before 10.0.10240.18967 | 10.0.10240.18967 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE; 9 further products are omitted here. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (microsoft.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/163349/Microsoft-PrintNightmare-Proof-Of-Concept.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/163351/PrintNightmare-Windows-Spooler-Service-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- kb.cert.org/vuls/id/383432Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-1675US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/167261/Print-Spooler-Remote-DLL-Injection.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
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