CVE-2019-0543
Published: March 15, 2022
Official Description
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles authentication requests. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run processes in an elevated context.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles authentication requests. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run processes in an elevated context.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Windows due to improper handling of authentication requests. An attacker could exploit this to run processes with elevated privileges, posing a high risk given its confirmed exploitation and high EPSS score.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is part of CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its use by threat actors.
Apply all available security updates for Windows to address this privilege escalation vulnerability. Ensure systems are regularly patched and follow least privilege principles for user accounts.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2019-0543 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-2019-0543 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.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2019-0543 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