CVE-2021-26873 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-26873, an Elevation of Privilege vulnerability impacting Windows 10, Windows Server, and other Microsoft products. Understand the impact, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.
Windows User Profile Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was published by Microsoft on March 11, 2021. The vulnerability affects various versions of Windows OS such as Windows 10, Windows Server, and more.
Understanding CVE-2021-26873
This section will provide insights into what CVE-2021-26873 is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2021-26873?
CVE-2021-26873 is an Elevation of Privilege vulnerability that allows an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the targeted system.
The Impact of CVE-2021-26873
The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7. It poses a significant risk to the security of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-26873
Let's delve into the technical aspects of this vulnerability to understand how it works and which systems are affected.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists in the Windows User Profile Service, potentially leading to privilege escalation on compromised systems.
Affected Systems and Versions
Multiple versions of Windows OS are affected, including Windows 10 (multiple versions), Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012, and more.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to escalate their privileges, allowing them to execute arbitrary code and take control of the system.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we will discuss the steps that users and administrators can take to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-26873.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should apply security patches released by Microsoft to address this vulnerability promptly. It is crucial to keep systems updated.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing least privilege access, conducting regular security audits, and monitoring system activities can help prevent privilege escalation attacks.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates from Microsoft and ensure systems are patched to protect against known vulnerabilities.