CVE-2021-34481: Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. UPDATE August 10, 2021: Microsoft has completed the investigation and has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Please see the Security Updates table for the applicable update for your system. We recommend that you install these updates immediately. This security update changes the Point and Print default behavior; please see KB5005652.
Other sources
Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
— Microsoft
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.1.7601.25685Patch KB5005089 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.2.9200.23435Patch KB5005094 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.3.9600.20094Patch KB5005106 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.0.6003.21192Patch KB5005095 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.3.9600.20094Patch KB5005076 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.14393.4583Patch KB5005043 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.19042.1165Patch KB5005033 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.10240.19022Patch KB5005040 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.19041.1165Patch KB5005033 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.18363.1734Patch KB5005031 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.19043.1165Patch KB5005033 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.17763.2114Patch KB5005030 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Windows Print Spoolerto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch KB5005652 - Compensating control
Review and implement the Point and Print default-behavior changes described in KB5005652 associated with this security update.
Event History
Peer vulnerabilities
Found alongside the following vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2021-34481?
The severity of CVE-2021-34481 is rated as critical due to its potential for remote code execution.
How do I fix CVE-2021-34481?
To fix CVE-2021-34481, it is recommended to apply the latest security patches provided by Microsoft for affected Windows versions.
Which Windows versions are affected by CVE-2021-34481?
CVE-2021-34481 affects multiple versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and various Windows Server editions.
What type of attack can be executed using CVE-2021-34481?
An attacker can exploit CVE-2021-34481 to run arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the affected system.
Is there a workaround for CVE-2021-34481?
Currently, the best approach is to apply patches, as specific workarounds for CVE-2021-34481 may not fully mitigate the vulnerability.