CVE-2019-1253
HighExploitedPublic exploitAn elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows AppX Deployment Server improperly handles junctions.To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system, aka 'Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Published Sep 11, 2019 · Updated Oct 29, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-1253 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1803 (Microsoft) and 11 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 12% 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)
12%
Higher than 96.0% 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-2019-1253 brief as a PDF
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Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows AppX Deployment Server improperly handles junctions.To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system, aka 'Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1215, CVE-2019-1278, CVE-2019-1303.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 15, 2022 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 15, 2022 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 15, 2022 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 15, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
23 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1703Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1709Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1803Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1809Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1903Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 11, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 15, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 15, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 15, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 15, 2022
Last updated
Oct 29, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
References
- advisoryhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154488/AppXSvc-17763.1.amd64fre.rs5_release.180914-1434-Privilege-Escalation.html
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1253
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitExploitDB-47389
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows AppX Deployment Server improperly handles junctions.To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system, aka 'Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Affected: Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1803 (Microsoft), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
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.
Yes. It was added on Mar 15, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 5, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
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.
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