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Microsoft Windows Installer Service Time-Of-Check Time-Of-Use Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

January 18th, 2023

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the Windows Installer service. By creating a junction, an attacker can abuse the service to create files in an arbitrary folder. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.

Additional Details

Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-21542

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2022-08-31 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2023-01-18 - Coordinated public release of advisory

Credit

QueryX Team of Theori

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