CVE-2021-40475 : What You Need to Know

Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Information Disclosure Vulnerability was published by Microsoft on October 13, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2021-40475

This CVE involves an Information Disclosure vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Windows operating systems.

What is CVE-2021-40475?

The vulnerability allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information due to improper disclosure by the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40475

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a base score of 5.5 according to the CVSS v3.1 scoring system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40475

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver vulnerability leads to an information disclosure risk, potentially compromising critical data.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following systems and versions are affected by CVE-2021-40475:

Windows 10 Version 1809
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
Windows 10 Version 1909
Windows 10 Version 21H1
Windows Server 2022
Windows 10 Version 2004
Windows Server Version 2004
Windows 10 Version 20H2
Windows Server Version 20H2
Windows 11 Version 21H2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker to access confidential data, potentially leading to further exploitation or data leaks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2021-40475 vulnerability:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by Microsoft.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on the network that may indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Implement additional access controls to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Windows operating systems to ensure all security updates are in place.
Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released security updates addressing CVE-2021-40475. It is crucial to apply these patches promptly to secure the affected systems and prevent exploitation.