CVE-2019-0880
Published: May 23, 2022
Official Description
A local elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in how splwow64.exe handles certain calls. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could elevate privileges on an affected system from low-integrity to medium-integrity.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A local elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in how splwow64.exe handles certain calls. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could elevate privileges on an affected system from low-integrity to medium-integrity.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in splwow64.exe allows a local attacker to elevate privileges from a low-integrity process to a medium-integrity process. While a CVSS score is not available, its HIGH severity and inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog with an EPSS score of 0.04079 indicate a significant risk of exploitation.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its presence in CISA's KEV catalog. Exploitation requires local access to the system.
Apply the latest security updates for Microsoft Windows to address the flaw in splwow64.exe. Enforce the principle of least privilege for all user accounts and applications.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2019-0880 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-2019-0880 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-2019-0880 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