CVE-2021-26871 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Windows WalletService Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was published by Microsoft on March 9, 2021. It has a CVSS base score of 7.8.

Understanding CVE-2021-26871

This CVE refers to an Elevation of Privilege vulnerability affecting various versions of Windows 10.

What is CVE-2021-26871?

The CVE-2021-26871, also known as Windows WalletService Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, allows an attacker to gain higher privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26871

With a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High), this vulnerability poses a significant risk as attackers can exploit it to elevate privileges and compromise the system's integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26871

This section provides a detailed overview of the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability enables attackers to escalate privileges on Windows 10 systems, granting them unauthorized access to critical system functions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Various versions of Windows 10, including 1803, 1809, 1909, 2004, 20H2, 1507, and 1607, across different platforms, are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious code, manipulate data, or install unauthorized software on the compromised system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2021-26871, immediate steps need to be taken, along with establishing long-term security practices and keeping systems up to date with patches.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft to mitigate the risk of exploitation and prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as restricting user privileges, monitoring system activity, and conducting regular security assessments, can enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from Microsoft and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities and improve system resilience.