CVE-2021-41379
Published: March 3, 2022
Official Description
Microsoft Windows Installer contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Installer Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Installer contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
Microsoft Windows Installer contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation. This is a high-severity flaw, confirmed to be actively exploited and listed in CISA's KEV catalog. The EPSS score of 0.01159 indicates a low but present likelihood of exploitation.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog. The nature of the exploit suggests local privilege escalation.
Apply all available security updates for Microsoft Windows to patch the Windows Installer component. Regularly review and restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-41379 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-2021-41379 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-2021-41379 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