8.8highHigh

CVE-2021-34481

Microsoft Windows 10

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. UPDATE August 10, 2021: Microsoft has completed the investigation and has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Please see the Security Updates table for the applicable update for your system. We recommend that you install these updates immediately. This security update changes the Point and Print default behavior; please see KB5005652.

Exploitation status

  • A vendor advisory or patch reference has been published.

What the metrics mean

  • It is reachable over a network, without needing local access.
  • For an attacker who can reach it, no special conditions are needed to exploit it.
  • To exploit it, an ordinary user account is needed.
  • Beyond that, no action by a user is required.

Scoring

CVSS
8.8 (v3.1)
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness
CWE-269
Assigned by
secure@microsoft.com

Dates

Published
2021-07-16
Last modified
2026-08-10
Sources
NVD

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows 10all versions, 20h2, 21h1, 1607, 1809, 1909, 2004
  • Microsoft Windows 7all versions
  • Microsoft Windows 8.1all versions
  • Microsoft Windows Rt 8.1all versions
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008all versions, r2
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2012all versions
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2016all versions, 2004
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2019all versions

As listed in the NVD configuration data. Not a statement about your estate.

References