CVE-2023-21768 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record titled "Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability" was published on January 10, 2023, by Microsoft. The vulnerability affects Windows Server 2022, Windows 11 version 21H2, and Windows 11 version 22H2 on specific versions.

Understanding CVE-2023-21768

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21768, its impact, technical description, affected systems and versions, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21768?

CVE-2023-21768 is identified as an "Elevation of Privilege" vulnerability in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock. This type of vulnerability typically allows an attacker to gain elevated access permissions beyond what they should have.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21768

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as having a high severity level with a CVSS base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation and potential compromise of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21768

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21768, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock could be exploited by an attacker to elevate their privileges on the affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following systems are impacted by CVE-2023-21768:

Windows Server 2022 version 10.0.20348.1487
Windows 11 version 21H2 version 10.0.22000.1455
Windows 11 version 22H2 version 10.0.22621.1105 All versions mentioned above are susceptible to this elevation of privilege vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21768 and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Patching and updates play a vital role in safeguarding systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions include applying security patches or updates provided by Microsoft to address the vulnerability promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular security audits, access controls, and network segmentation, can enhance the overall security posture of the systems and mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security updates and patches from Microsoft and applying them in a timely manner is essential to protect the systems from known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21768.