CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-32049Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

Microsoft Windows Defender SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-32049 is a high-severity vulnerability in Windows 10 Version 1809 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 10.0.17763.4645 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 July 11, 2023, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Update Windows 10 Version 1809 to 10.0.17763.4645 or a later version.
  2. Update Windows Server 2019 to 10.0.17763.4645 or a later version.
  3. Update Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) to 10.0.17763.4645 or a later version.
  4. CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if updates are unavailable.
  5. Read the advisory on msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  6. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  7. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 180910.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.4645; 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.464510.0.17763.4645
MicrosoftWindows Server 201910.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.464510.0.17763.4645
MicrosoftWindows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.464510.0.17763.4645
MicrosoftWindows Server 202210.0.20348.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.20348.185010.0.20348.1850
MicrosoftWindows 11 version 21H210.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22000.217610.0.22000.2176
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 21H210.0.19043.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19044.320810.0.19044.3208
MicrosoftWindows 11 version 22H210.0.22621.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22621.199210.0.22621.1992
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 22H210.0.19045.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19045.320810.0.19045.3208
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 160710.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.608510.0.14393.6085
MicrosoftWindows Server 201610.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.608510.0.14393.6085
MicrosoftWindows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)10.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.608510.0.14393.6085
MicrosoftWindows 10 1607before 10.0.14393.608510.0.14393.6085
MicrosoftWindows 10 1809before 10.0.17763.464510.0.17763.4645
MicrosoftWindows 10 21h2before 10.0.19041.320810.0.19041.3208
MicrosoftWindows 10 22h2before 10.0.19045.320810.0.19045.3208
MicrosoftWindows 11 21h2before 10.0.22000.217610.0.22000.2176
MicrosoftWindows 11 22h2before 10.0.22621.199210.0.22621.1992

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
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (microsoft.com).

Official description

Windows SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  3. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  4. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

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