Is CVE-2021-36934 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2021-36934 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2021-36934 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2021-36934 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-36934?

CVE-2021-36934 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-36934

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2021-36934

Published: February 10, 2022

EPSS:90.83%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.6th

Official Description

If a Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) shadow copy of the system drive is available, users can read the SAM file which would allow any user to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Microsoft Windows SAM Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

If a Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) shadow copy of the system drive is available, users can read the SAM file which would allow any user to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level.

Added to KEV: 2022-02-10Federal patch deadline: 2022-02-24

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

This vulnerability in Microsoft Windows allows any user to read the SAM file if a Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) of the system drive is available. This high-severity flaw can lead to privilege escalation to SYSTEM level and has a very high exploitation likelihood (EPSS 0.90828). It is confirmed exploited in the wild, as indicated by its presence in CISA's KEV.

This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild. Attackers can leverage this to escalate privileges to SYSTEM, gaining full control over the affected system.

Recommended Action

Ensure that Volume Shadow Copies are properly secured and access is restricted. Apply all available security updates for Microsoft Windows to mitigate this privilege escalation vulnerability.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-36934 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-2021-36934 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.