CVE-2021-42285 : What You Need to Know

Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability identified on November 9, 2021, impacting various Microsoft products and versions.

Understanding CVE-2021-42285

A vulnerability in the Windows Kernel could allow an attacker to elevate privileges on affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-42285?

The CVE-2021-42285 vulnerability is classified as an Elevation of Privilege issue, posing a high risk to affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42285

This vulnerability has a base severity rating of HIGH (CVSS score: 7.8), potentially leading to unauthorized elevation of privileges and compromising system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42285

The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions and products.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Windows Kernel allows attackers to elevate privileges on compromised systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Microsoft products and versions are affected:

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 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 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

Exploiting this vulnerability involves executing specially crafted applications to manipulate kernel memory, allowing unauthorized privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-42285, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Limit user permissions to minimize the impact of potential privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep systems updated with the latest security patches and updates.
Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure regular installation of security updates and patches from Microsoft to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-42285.