Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2021-34527)
Severity: high · Patch status: patched · Since 2021-11-03 · CVE-2021-34527
Microsoft Windows Print Spooler contains an unspecified vulnerability due to the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performing privileged file operations. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to perform remote code execution with SYSTEM privileges. The vulnerability is also known under the moniker of PrintNightmare. CISA added CVE-2021-34527 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means attackers are exploiting it in the wild. CISA reports known use in ransomware campaigns.
What to do
- Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- US federal agencies must remediate by May 3, 2022 (BOD 22-01); treat that as the outer limit.
Sources
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