CVE-2021-36948 : Security Advisory and Response

Windows Update Medic Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was first published on August 10, 2021, by Microsoft. This CVE affects various versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server.

Understanding CVE-2021-36948

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2021-36948 vulnerability, its impact, technical description, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-36948?

CVE-2021-36948 is an Elevation of Privilege vulnerability in Windows Update Medic Service, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36948

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH by the CVSS v3.1, with a base severity score of 7.8. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access and control over the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36948

Let's explore the technical aspects related to CVE-2021-36948, including vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the Windows Update Medic Service, potentially exploited by malicious actors to escalate their privileges on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Various versions of Windows 10, including Version 1809, Version 1909, 21H1, 2004, and 20H2, as well as Windows Server 2019 and versions 2004 and 20H2, are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by executing a specially crafted application to elevate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your systems from CVE-2021-36948, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Microsoft to address the vulnerability.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch your systems to ensure they are protected against known vulnerabilities.
Monitor system logs and alerts for any suspicious activities indicating a potential exploit.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by Microsoft for Windows 10 and Windows Server to address CVE-2021-36948 promptly.