CVE-2022-41073
Published: 09 November 2022
Summary
CVE-2022-41073 is a high-severity Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 8.1. Its CVSS base score is 7.8 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 14.8% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; CISA has added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
The strongest mitigations our analysis identified are NIST 800-53 SI-2 (Flaw Remediation) and CM-7 (Least Functionality).
Deeper analysis
CVE-2022-41073 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Print Spooler component, assigned CWE-787 for an out-of-bounds write condition. It affects supported Windows versions and carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflecting local attack vector, low attack complexity, and low required privileges.
A local attacker with a valid low-privileged account can exploit the flaw to obtain SYSTEM-level privileges on the affected host. The vulnerability is triggered without user interaction once the attacker has access to the Print Spooler service.
Microsoft’s security update guide recommends installing the patches released in the November 2022 Patch Tuesday cycle; the same advisory is referenced by CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming that the issue has been observed in active exploitation. The associated EPSS score remains low, with a recorded peak of 0.0328.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2022-44317
Vulnerability details
Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
- CWE(s)
- KEV Date Added
- 08 November 2022
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI
Directly requires timely application of the Microsoft security update that patches the out-of-bounds write in Print Spooler.
Least-functionality principle supports disabling or removing the Print Spooler service when not required, eliminating the vulnerable attack surface.
Memory-protection mechanisms can reduce exploitability of the CWE-787 out-of-bounds write condition underlying the EoP.