CVE-2019-0863
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Microsoft Windows Error Reporting (WER) contains a privilege escalation vulnerability due to the way it handles files, allowing for code execution in kernel mode.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Error Reporting (WER) Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Error Reporting (WER) contains a privilege escalation vulnerability due to the way it handles files, allowing for code execution in kernel mode.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
Microsoft Windows Error Reporting (WER) contains a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper file handling, allowing code execution in kernel mode. Given its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.06512, this vulnerability presents a high and urgent risk of exploitation.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.
System administrators should apply the latest security updates from Microsoft for Windows to mitigate this privilege escalation vulnerability in Error Reporting.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2019-0863 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-2019-0863 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-2019-0863 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