CVE-2026-33825
HighExploitedPublic exploitMicrosoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Published Apr 14, 2026 · Updated Oct 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-33825 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Defender Antimalware Platform (Microsoft), Microsoft Defender.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 16, 2026 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 0.4% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Defender Antimalware Platform 4.18.26030.3011, Microsoft Defender 4.18.26030.3011.
- 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)
0.4%
Higher than 32.6% 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-2026-33825 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Insufficient granularity of access control in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Apr 22, 2026 | May 6, 2026 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 16, 2026 | May 6, 2026 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Apr 22, 2026 | May 6, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Apr 22, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Defender Antimalware PlatformMicrosoft | >= 4.0.0.0 | 4.18.26030.3011 |
| Microsoft DefenderMicrosoft | See advisory | 4.18.26030.3011 |
Patched Releases
Defender Antimalware Platform
4.18.26030.3011
Microsoft Defender
4.18.26030.3011
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 14, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 16, 2026
Added to CISA KEV
Apr 22, 2026
Added to CIRCL KEV
Apr 22, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
Apr 22, 2026
Last updated
Oct 15, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-1220 Insufficient Granularity of Access Control
References
- advisoryMicrosoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
- advisoryVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Insufficient granularity of access control in Microsoft Defender allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Affected: Defender Antimalware Platform (Microsoft) versions >= 4.0.0.0; Microsoft Defender. 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 Apr 16, 2026 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Apr 22, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of May 6, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Defender Antimalware Platform 4.18.26030.3011, Microsoft Defender 4.18.26030.3011.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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