#VU70161 Security features bypass in Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2022-44698

Vulnerability identifier: #VU70161

Vulnerability 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

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

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, 10 Gold, 10 Mobile, 10 20H2 10.0.19042.572, 10 21H1 10.0.19043.985, 10 21H2 10.0.19044.1288, 10 22H2 10.0.19045.2130, 10 1507 10.0.10240.16405, 10 1511 10.0.10586.3, 10 1607 10.0.14393.10, 10 1703 10.0.15063.138, 10 1706, 10 1709 10.0.16299.19, 10 1803 10.0.17134.48, 10 1809 10.0.17763.1, 10 1903 10.0.18362.116, 10 1909 10.0.18363.476, 10 2004 10.0.19041.264, 10, 11 21H2 10.0.22000.194, 11 22H2 10.0.22621.521, 11

Windows Server: 2016 10.0.14393.10, 2019 10.0.17763.1 - 2019 2004, 2022 10.0.20348.202 - 2022 20H2

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

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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.