CVE-2019-1388
HighExploitedPublic exploitAn elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Certificate Dialog when it does not properly enforce user privileges, aka 'Windows Certificate Dialog Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Published Nov 12, 2019 · Updated Oct 29, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-1388 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft) and 17 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 24, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 8.6% 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)
8.6%
Higher than 95.0% 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-2019-1388 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 in the Windows Certificate Dialog when it does not properly enforce user privileges, aka 'Windows Certificate Dialog Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Apr 7, 2023 | Apr 28, 2023 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 24, 2022 | Apr 28, 2023 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Apr 7, 2023 | Apr 28, 2023 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Apr 7, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
34 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1507Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1607Microsoft | 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 |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 12, 2019
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 24, 2022
Added to CISA KEV
Apr 7, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Apr 7, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Apr 7, 2023
Last updated
Oct 29, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management
References
- advisoryhttps://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-19-975/
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1388
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Certificate Dialog when it does not properly enforce user privileges, aka 'Windows Certificate Dialog Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Affected: Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1709 (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 24, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Apr 7, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 28, 2023.
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.
Is CVE-2019-1388 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo