Windows: Missing Synchronization
CVE-2022-50238 is a high-severity missing synchronization vulnerability in Windows from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.4 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Windows versions: 10 through Server 2025. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.24% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Windows you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
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
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (mitre.org).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.4 | High | CNA (mitre.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 6.7 | Medium | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
The on-endpoint Microsoft vulnerable driver blocklist is not fully synchronized with the online Microsoft recommended driver block rules. Some entries present on the online list have been excluded from the on-endpoint blocklist longer than the expected periodic monthly Windows updates. It is possible to fully synchronize the driver blocklist using WDAC policies. NOTE: The vendor explains that Windows Update provides a smaller, compatibility-focused driver blocklist for general users, while the full XML list is available for advanced users and organizations to customize at the risk of usability issues.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Synchronization
The product utilizes a shared resource in a concurrent manner but does not attempt to synchronize access to the resource.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Windows
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Missing Synchronization vulnerabilities
- 9.0 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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