CVE-2021-41333 : Security Advisory and Response

Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was published on 2021-12-15 with a CVSS base score of 7.8.

Understanding CVE-2021-41333

This CVE involves an elevation of privilege impact type vulnerability in Windows Print Spooler.

What is CVE-2021-41333?

Vulnerability: Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege
Published Date: 2021-12-15
CVSS Base Score: 7.8 (High)
CVE ID: CVE-2021-41333
Provider: Microsoft

The Impact of CVE-2021-41333

The vulnerability has a high base severity score of 7.8, indicating a significant threat to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41333

This section covers the technical aspects and impact of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to elevate privileges on the affected systems through the Windows Print Spooler service.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following systems are affected by CVE-2021-41333:

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
Windows 10 Version 21H2
Windows 10 Version 1507
Windows 10 Version 1607
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)
Windows 7
Windows 7 Service Pack 1
Windows 8.1
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems leveraging the Windows Print Spooler service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your systems from CVE-2021-41333.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates provided by Microsoft promptly.
Consider disabling the Windows Print Spooler service if it is unnecessary.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain system patching and updates regularly.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit elevated access.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you apply the latest security patches and updates released by Microsoft to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.