CVE-2019-1315
Published: March 15, 2022
Official Description
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists when Windows Error Reporting manager improperly handles hard links. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could overwrite a targeted file leading to an elevated status.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Error Reporting Manager Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists when Windows Error Reporting manager improperly handles hard links. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could overwrite a targeted file leading to an elevated status.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This privilege escalation vulnerability in Windows Error Reporting manager arises from improper handling of hard links, allowing an attacker to overwrite a targeted file and gain elevated status. Its presence in CISA's KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.07545 indicate confirmed exploitation and a high risk.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog. Exploitation requires local access to the affected system.
Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to address the Windows Error Reporting manager vulnerability. Ensure systems are configured with appropriate file system permissions to prevent unauthorized hard link creation.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2019-1315 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-2019-1315 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-2019-1315 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