# CVE-2023-36033: Microsoft Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) Core Library Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-36033-microsoft-windows-desktop-window-manager-dwm-core-library  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2023-11-14. Updated: 2026-05-09  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2023-36033 · Severity: critical · CVSS 7.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2023-11-14

The Microsoft Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) Core Library contains an elevation of privilege vulnerability. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain SYSTEM privileges via an untrusted pointer dereference or improper restriction of operations within memory bounds.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2023-36033 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2023-36033 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 14 November 2023. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2023-36033?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 14 November 2023.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows 10 1809, 21H2, 22H2; Microsoft Windows 11 21H2, 22H2, 23H2; Microsoft Windows Server 2019 up to (excluding) 10.0.17763.5122; Microsoft Windows Server 2022 up to (excluding) 10.0.20348.2113; and 1 more.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2023-36033?** A patch was published on 2023-11-14. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2023-36033 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2023-36033?** 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, 21H2, 22H2
- Microsoft Windows 11 21H2, 22H2, 23H2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019 up to (excluding) 10.0.17763.5122
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022 up to (excluding) 10.0.20348.2113
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016 all versions

## Timeline

- 2023-11-14: disclosed
- 2023-11-14: patched
- 2023-11-14: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2023-11-14: exploited

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