CVE-2021-38671 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-38671, a high severity Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability affecting various Microsoft products and versions. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was identified by Microsoft on September 14, 2021. This CVE affects various Microsoft products and versions, leading to a high severity elevation of privilege issue.
Understanding CVE-2021-38671
This section will provide insights into what CVE-2021-38671 is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2021-38671?
CVE-2021-38671 is a Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows, enabling attackers to escalate privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2021-38671
The impact of this vulnerability is classified as high, with a base severity score of 7.8 (CVSS v3.1) assigned by Microsoft. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-38671
Let's dive deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-38671, including vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanisms.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the Windows Print Spooler service, resulting in the elevation of privileges within the system.
Affected Systems and Versions
Various Microsoft products are impacted, including Windows 10, Windows Server, and different versions such as 1809, 1909, 21H1, 2004, and more.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging specific techniques to manipulate the Print Spooler service and gain unauthorized access.
Mitigation and Prevention
To protect your systems from CVE-2021-38671, immediate steps, long-term security practices, and patching are vital.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is recommended to apply the necessary security updates provided by Microsoft to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, consider restricting access to the Print Spooler service.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement robust security measures such as regular security assessments, network segmentation, and user privilege management to enhance overall system security.
Patching and Updates
Regularly monitor for security updates from Microsoft and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen system defenses.