CVE-2021-28351 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about the Windows Speech Runtime Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2021-28351) that affects several Microsoft products and versions.

Understanding CVE-2021-28351

CVE-2021-28351 is a high-severity vulnerability that allows an attacker to elevate privileges on the affected Windows systems.

What is CVE-2021-28351?

The vulnerability, known as Windows Speech Runtime Elevation of Privilege, enables an attacker to gain higher privileges on the targeted Windows systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28351

With a CVSS base score of 7.8, this elevation of privilege vulnerability poses a significant risk to the security of affected systems. Attackers could exploit this flaw to execute malicious actions with escalated privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28351

This section provides a deeper understanding of the vulnerability, including the affected systems and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2021-28351 vulnerability in Windows Speech Runtime allows attackers to elevate privileges through a specific exploit path, granting them unauthorized access to the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple Microsoft products are impacted by this vulnerability, including various versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server. Systems running certain versions are exposed to potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by executing a crafted application on the targeted system, leveraging the flaw in the Windows Speech Runtime to elevate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-28351, organizations and users should take immediate steps to secure their systems and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly. Additionally, monitoring system logs for any suspicious activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing the principle of least privilege, maintaining up-to-date security configurations, and conducting regular security audits are essential for enhancing the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches released by Microsoft for the affected products and versions. Timely installation of these patches is key to mitigating the risk posed by CVE-2021-28351.