# CVE-2023-29336: Microsoft Win32K Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-29336-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2023-05-09. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2023-29336 · Severity: critical · CVSS 7.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2023-05-09

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Microsoft Win32k kernel-mode driver allows a local attacker to gain SYSTEM privileges. The flaw is actively exploited in the wild and stems from improper memory management within the Win32k component.

Technologies: [Microsoft Win32K](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/win32k). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2023-29336 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2023-29336 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 9 May 2023. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2023-29336?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 9 May 2023.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows 10 1507, 1607; Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2 SP1; Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2; Microsoft Windows Server 2016.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2023-29336?** A patch was published on 2023-05-09. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2023-29336 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2023-29336?** Check whether you run Microsoft Win32K. 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 1507, 1607
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2 SP1
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016

## Timeline

- 2023-05-09: disclosed
- 2023-05-09: patched
- 2023-05-09: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2023-05-09: exploited

## Related threats

- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2016-0165-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)
- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2015-2360-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)
- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2018-8589-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)
- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2014-4113-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)
- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2021-40450-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)