CVE-2023-21768
HighExploitedPublic exploitWindows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Published Jan 10, 2023 · Updated Jan 1, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-21768 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 11 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2022 (Microsoft), Windows 11 version 21H2 and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Mar 14, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 65% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Windows 11 version 21H2 10.0.22000.1455, Windows 11 version 22H2 10.0.22621.1105, Windows Server 2022 10.0.20348.1487.
- 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)
65%
Higher than 99.2% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-21768 brief as a PDF
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Description
Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 14, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
8 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11Microsoft | 21h2, 22h2 | n/a |
| Windows Server 2022Microsoft | >= 10.0.20348.0 | 10.0.20348.1487 |
| Windows 11 version 21H2 | >= 10.0.0 | 10.0.22000.1455 |
| Windows 11 version 22H2 | >= 10.0.22621.0 | 10.0.22621.1105 |
Patched Releases
Windows 11 version 21H2
10.0.22000.1455
Windows 11 version 22H2
10.0.22621.1105
Windows Server 2022
10.0.20348.1487
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 10, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 14, 2023
Last updated
Jan 1, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-822 Untrusted Pointer Dereference
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Affected: Windows 11 (Microsoft) versions 21h2, 22h2; Windows Server 2022 (Microsoft) versions >= 10.0.20348.0; Windows 11 version 21H2 versions >= 10.0.0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Mar 14, 2023.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Windows 11 version 21H2 10.0.22000.1455, Windows 11 version 22H2 10.0.22621.1105, Windows Server 2022 10.0.20348.1487.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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