Is CVE-2022-44698 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2022-44698 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2022-44698 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2022-44698 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2022-44698?

CVE-2022-44698 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2022-44698

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2022-44698

Published: December 13, 2022

EPSS:66.42%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:98.5th

Official Description

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen contains a security feature bypass vulnerability that could allow an attacker to evade Mark of the Web (MOTW) defenses via a specially crafted malicious file.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen contains a security feature bypass vulnerability that could allow an attacker to evade Mark of the Web (MOTW) defenses via a specially crafted malicious file.

Added to KEV: 2022-12-13Federal patch deadline: 2023-01-03⚠ USED IN RANSOMWARE CAMPAIGNS

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

This Microsoft Defender SmartScreen vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass Mark of the Web (MOTW) defenses using a specially crafted malicious file. This flaw poses a significant risk as it can enable the execution of untrusted content. The high EPSS score of 0.66423 and its inclusion in CISA's KEV confirm active exploitation.

Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild. Attackers can remotely bypass security features using malicious files.

Recommended Action

Apply all available security updates for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. Educate users about the risks of opening suspicious files, even if they appear to bypass security warnings.

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-2022-44698 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-2022-44698 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.