SmartScreen MOTW bypass in Microsoft Windows

1) Security features bypass

EUVDB-ID: #VU70161

Risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:L/VI:H/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-44698

CWE-ID: CWE-254 - Security Features

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to bypass implemented security restrictions.

The vulnerability exists due to an error in Windows SmartScreen. A remote attacker can bypass Mark of the Web (MOTW) defenses and potentially compromise the affected system.

Note, the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: 10 S - 11

Windows Server: 2016 10.0.14393.10 - 2022 20H2

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10:S:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10:Gold:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10:Mobile:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_20H2:10.0.19042.572:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_21H1:10.0.19043.985:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_21H2:10.0.19044.1288:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_22H2:10.0.19045.2130:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_1507:10.0.10240.16405:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_1511:10.0.10586.3:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_1607:10.0.14393.10:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server:2016:10.0.14393.10:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2022-44698

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.