CVE-2021-33771 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was published on July 14, 2021, with a CVSS base score of 7.8.

Understanding CVE-2021-33771

This vulnerability impacts various Microsoft Windows versions and allows an attacker to elevate privileges.

What is CVE-2021-33771?

The CVE-2021-33771 vulnerability is classified as an Elevation of Privilege issue in the Windows Kernel, affecting multiple Windows operating systems.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33771

With a base severity rated as HIGH, this vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33771

Here are some specific technical details related to this CVE:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for unauthorized privilege escalation within the Windows Kernel, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows 10 Version 1809
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
Windows 10 Version 1909
Windows 10 Version 21H1
Windows 10 Version 2004
Windows Server version 2004
Windows 10 Version 20H2
Windows Server version 20H2
Windows 10 Version 1507
Windows 10 Version 1607
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)
Windows 8.1
Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited through a crafted application, enabling attackers to escalate their privileges on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-33771.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches released by Microsoft promptly.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities on your systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch your Windows operating systems to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and least privilege principles to limit potential attack surfaces.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Microsoft and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security of your systems.