CVE-2023-38146Windows 11 21h2 Vulnerability
Windows Themes Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Published Sep 19, 2023 · Updated Oct 30, 2025 · Also known as TR-23-0539
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-38146 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 11 21h2 (Microsoft), Windows 11 22h2 (Microsoft), Windows 11 version 21H2 and 1 more product.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 37% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Windows 11 21h2 10.0.22000.2416, Windows 11 22h2 10.0.22621.2275, Windows 11 version 21H2 10.0.22000.2416.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
37%
Higher than 98.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
52/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
Windows Themes Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 21h2Microsoft | See advisory | 10.0.22000.2416 |
| Windows 11 22h2Microsoft | See advisory | 10.0.22621.2275 |
| Windows 11 version 21H2 | >= 10.0.0 | 10.0.22000.2416 |
| Windows 11 version 22H2 | >= 10.0.22621.0 | 10.0.22621.2283 |
Patched Releases
Windows 11 21h2
10.0.22000.2416
Windows 11 22h2
10.0.22621.2275
Windows 11 version 21H2
10.0.22000.2416
Windows 11 version 22H2
10.0.22621.2283
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 19, 2023
Last updated
Oct 30, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-367 Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition
FAQ
Common Questions.
Windows Themes Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Affected: Windows 11 21h2 (Microsoft); Windows 11 22h2 (Microsoft); Windows 11 version 21H2 versions >= 10.0.0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
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 21h2 10.0.22000.2416, Windows 11 22h2 10.0.22621.2275, Windows 11 version 21H2 10.0.22000.2416.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2023-38146 On Your Attack Surface?
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