CVE-2021-26875 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about the Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2021-26875), its impact, technical details, mitigation steps, and more.

Understanding CVE-2021-26875

CVE-2021-26875 is an Elevation of Privilege vulnerability affecting multiple Microsoft products, allowing attackers to elevate privileges on vulnerable systems.

What is CVE-2021-26875?

The CVE-2021-26875 vulnerability, also known as Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, was published on March 11, 2021, by Microsoft. It has a CVSS base score of 7.8, indicating a high severity threat.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26875

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows threat actors to exploit affected systems and gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or further compromise of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26875

The CVE-2021-26875 vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft products and versions, including various editions of Windows 10, Windows Server, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and more. It impacts both 32-bit and 64-bit systems across different platforms.

Vulnerability Description

The Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on vulnerable systems, bypassing security measures.

Affected Systems and Versions

Numerous Microsoft products are impacted, such as Windows 10 versions 1803 to 20H2, various Windows Server versions, Windows 7, 8.1, and others. Both x86 and x64-based systems are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by an attacker to gain elevated privileges, compromising the system's integrity and confidentiality.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-26875, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended to safeguard systems from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches released by Microsoft to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and security configurations can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating systems with the latest security patches, conducting security assessments, and educating users about phishing and social engineering threats are essential for maintaining a secure environment.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft regularly releases security updates and patches to address known vulnerabilities. It is crucial for organizations and individuals to stay informed about the latest security advisories and apply patches promptly to protect their systems.