CVE-2022-26923
Published: August 18, 2022
Official Description
An authenticated user could manipulate attributes on computer accounts they own or manage, and acquire a certificate from Active Directory Certificate Services that would allow for privilege escalation to SYSTEM.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
An authenticated user could manipulate attributes on computer accounts they own or manage, and acquire a certificate from Active Directory Certificate Services that would allow for privilege escalation to SYSTEM.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
An authenticated user can manipulate computer account attributes they own or manage to acquire a certificate from Active Directory Certificate Services, leading to privilege escalation to SYSTEM. The high EPSS score of 0.91748 indicates a very high likelihood of exploitation, making this a critical concern. It is confirmed as exploited by CISA.
Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild. This flaw requires an authenticated user with specific permissions on computer accounts.
Apply all available security updates for Active Directory Certificate Services and Windows. Implement robust monitoring for suspicious certificate issuance and computer account modifications.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2022-26923 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-2022-26923 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 (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2022-26923 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