CVE-2022-22718
Published: April 19, 2022
Official Description
Microsoft Windows Print Spooler contains an unspecified vulnerability which allow for privilege escalation.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Print Spooler contains an unspecified vulnerability which allow for privilege escalation.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This unspecified vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Print Spooler allows for privilege escalation. Successful exploitation could enable an attacker to gain higher system permissions. The high severity and confirmed exploitation in the wild indicate this is a critical issue.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild and is included in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its active use by threat actors. This indicates a high probability of successful exploitation.
Apply the latest security updates for Microsoft Windows to address this privilege escalation vulnerability in the Print Spooler. Consider disabling the Print Spooler service if not essential.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2022-22718 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-2022-22718 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-2022-22718 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