CVE-2021-31187: Microsoft Windows WalletService Directory Junction Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published May 11, 2021
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within WalletService. By creating a directory junction, an attacker can abuse the service to create a file in an arbitrary location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute code in the context of SYSTEM.

Other sources

Windows WalletService Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Affected Software

27 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Windows 10=20H2
Microsoft Windows 10=20H2
Microsoft Windows 10=20H2
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10=2004
Microsoft Windows 10=2004
Microsoft Windows 10=2004
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10=20h2
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 10=2004
Microsoft Windows

Event History

May 11, 2021
CVE Published
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:11 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:11 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Apr 1, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·05:16 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-31187?

CVE-2021-31187 has a high severity rating as it allows local attackers to escalate privileges in affected Windows installations.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-31187?

To fix CVE-2021-31187, apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for affected versions of Windows.

3

Which versions of Windows are affected by CVE-2021-31187?

CVE-2021-31187 affects multiple versions of Windows 10 including 1607, 1803, 1809, 1909, 2004, and 20H2.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2021-31187 facilitate?

CVE-2021-31187 facilitates local privilege escalation attacks, allowing attackers to gain higher access rights on Windows systems.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2021-31187 if I can't update immediately?

Currently, there are no documented workarounds for CVE-2021-31187, so prompt updating is strongly recommended.

Contact

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