CVE-2021-36948: Microsoft Windows Update Medic Service Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE-2021-36948 · Severity: critical · CVSS 7.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2021-11-03

The Microsoft Windows Update Medic Service contains an elevation of privilege vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain SYSTEM privileges on the affected system.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2021-36948 exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2021-36948 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 3 November 2021. Treat it as urgent.
How severe is CVE-2021-36948?
Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 3 November 2021.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows 10 1809, 1909, 2004, 20H2, 21H1; Microsoft Windows Server 2019 -; Microsoft Windows Server 2016 2004, 20H2.
Is there a fix for CVE-2021-36948?
A patch was published on 2021-11-17: Due date for remediation per CISA BOD 22-01 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2021-36948 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2021-36948?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows 10 1809, 1909, 2004, 20H2, 21H1
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2019 -
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2016 2004, 20H2

Timeline

  • 2021-08-12: disclosed: NVD Published Date
  • 2021-11-03: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
  • 2021-11-17: patched: Due date for remediation per CISA BOD 22-01

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