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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2019-0543

HighExploitedPublic exploit

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles authentication requests, aka "Microsoft Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019, Windows…

Published Jan 8, 2019 · Updated Jan 14, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2019-0543 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft) and 12 more products.
  • It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 15, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 4.7% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

7.8

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

4.7%

Higher than 91.7% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

Yes

4 catalog listings, used by ransomware

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2019-0543 brief as a PDF

Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles authentication requests, aka "Microsoft Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
CISA KEVMar 15, 2022Apr 5, 2022Known
Industry KEV feedMar 15, 2022Apr 5, 2022Known
CIRCL KEVMar 15, 2022Apr 5, 2022Known
ENISA EUVDMar 15, 2022n/aNot reported

Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Affected Products

25 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
Windows 10 1507MicrosoftSee advisoryn/a
Windows 10 1607MicrosoftSee advisoryn/a
Windows 10 1703MicrosoftSee advisoryn/a
Windows 10 1709MicrosoftSee advisoryn/a
Windows 10 1803MicrosoftSee advisoryn/a
10 more affected products in the full CVE brief

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Jan 8, 2019

  2. Added to CISA KEV

    Mar 15, 2022

  3. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Mar 15, 2022

  4. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Mar 15, 2022

  5. Added to ENISA EUVD

    Mar 15, 2022

  6. Last updated

    Jan 14, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-287 Improper Authentication

References

3 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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