CVE-2021-36948
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Microsoft Windows Update Medic Service contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Update Medic Service Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Update Medic Service contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Update Medic Service allows an attacker to elevate their privileges on an affected system. While a CVSS score is not available, its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.00971 indicate a confirmed and notable exploitation risk.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its presence in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to address this privilege escalation vulnerability. Ensure all Windows systems are regularly patched to prevent exploitation.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-36948 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-2021-36948 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-2021-36948 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