CVE-2023-24880
Published: March 14, 2023
Official Description
Microsoft Windows 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.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows 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.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
Microsoft Windows SmartScreen has a security feature bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to evade Mark of the Web defenses. This is a high-severity flaw with an EPSS score of 0.77286, indicating a high likelihood of exploitation, and it is confirmed to be exploited in the wild.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is part of CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog. Attackers can bypass security features by using a specially crafted malicious file.
Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft for Windows to address this SmartScreen bypass vulnerability. Educate users about the risks of opening suspicious files, even if they appear to bypass security warnings.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-24880 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-2023-24880 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 (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-24880 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