CVE-2014-4077
Published: May 25, 2022
Official Description
Microsoft Input Method Editor (IME) Japanese is a keyboard with Japanese characters that can be enabled on Windows systems as it is included by default (with the default set as disabled). IME Japanese contains an unspecified vulnerability when IMJPDCT.EXE (IME for Japanese) is installed which allows attackers to bypass a sandbox and perform privilege escalation.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft IME Japanese Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft Input Method Editor (IME) Japanese is a keyboard with Japanese characters that can be enabled on Windows systems as it is included by default (with the default set as disabled). IME Japanese contains an unspecified vulnerability when IMJPDCT.EXE (IME for Japanese) is installed which allows attackers to bypass a sandbox and perform privilege escalation.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
Microsoft Input Method Editor (IME) Japanese contains an unspecified vulnerability when IMJPDCT.EXE is installed, allowing attackers to bypass sandboxes and escalate privileges. With a high EPSS score of 0.34269 and confirmed exploitation, this is a critical privilege escalation vulnerability.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, indicating confirmed real-world exploitation. Exploitation requires the IME Japanese component to be installed.
Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to address the vulnerability in IME Japanese. If not required, consider disabling or uninstalling the IME Japanese component.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2014-4077 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2014-4077 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2014-4077 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1