Microsoft Windows Runtime Remote Code Execution
CVE-2022-21971 is a high-severity access of uninitialized pointer vulnerability in Windows 10 Version 1809 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 10.0.17763.2565 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 August 18, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Windows 10 Version 1809 to 10.0.17763.2565 or a later version.
- Update Windows Server 2019 to 10.0.17763.2565 or a later version.
- Update Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) to 10.0.17763.2565 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 1809 | 10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.2565; 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.2565 | 10.0.17763.2565 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 | 10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.2565 | 10.0.17763.2565 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) | 10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.2565 | 10.0.17763.2565 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 1909 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.18363.2094 | 10.0.18363.2094 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 21H1 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19043.1526 | 10.0.19043.1526 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2022 | 10.0.20348.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.20348.524 | 10.0.20348.524 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 20H2 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19042.1526 | 10.0.19042.1526 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server version 20H2 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19042.1526 | 10.0.19042.1526 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 version 21H2 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22000.493 | 10.0.22000.493 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 21H2 | 10.0.19043.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19044.1526 | 10.0.19044.1526 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1809 | before 10.0.17763.2565 | 10.0.17763.2565 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1909 | before 10.0.18363.2094 | 10.0.18363.2094 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 20h2 | before 10.0.19042.1526 | 10.0.19042.1526 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 21h1 | before 10.0.19043.1526 | 10.0.19043.1526 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 21h2 | before 10.0.19044.1526 | 10.0.19044.1526 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 21h2 | before 10.0.22000.493 | 10.0.22000.493 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 20h2 | before 10.0.19042.1526 | 10.0.19042.1526 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Access vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network.
- Access complexity
- MediumSome conditions must be met.
- Authentication
- NoneNo login is needed.
- Confidentiality
- CompleteAll data can be read.
- Integrity
- CompleteAny data can be modified.
- Availability
- CompleteThe system can be shut down completely.
Vector: AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (microsoft.com) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
Windows Runtime Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Access of Uninitialized Pointer
The product accesses or uses a pointer that has not been initialized.
More Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities (CWE-824)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-21971US Government Resource
Recent Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
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