Exploited
7.8
Advisory Published
Updated

CVE-2021-36934: Microsoft Windows SAM Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

First published: Thu Jul 22 2021(Updated: )

If a Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) shadow copy of the system drive is available, users can read the SAM file which would allow any user to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level.

Credit: secure@microsoft.com secure@microsoft.com secure@microsoft.com

Affected SoftwareAffected VersionHow to fix
Microsoft Windows 10=20h2
Microsoft Windows 10=21h1
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 10=2004
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows 10<10.0.17763.2114
Microsoft Windows 10<10.0.18363.1734
Microsoft Windows 10<10.0.19041.1165
Microsoft Windows 10<10.0.19042.1165
Microsoft Windows 10<10.0.19043.1165
<10.0.17763.2114
<10.0.18363.1734
<10.0.19041.1165
<10.0.19042.1165
<10.0.19043.1165

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the severity of CVE-2021-36934?

    CVE-2021-36934 has a critical severity rating due to its potential for privilege escalation.

  • How do I fix CVE-2021-36934?

    To fix CVE-2021-36934, ensure that your Windows 10 system is updated to the latest security patch released by Microsoft.

  • What systems are affected by CVE-2021-36934?

    CVE-2021-36934 affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows 10, including versions 1809, 1909, 2004, 20H2, and 21H1.

  • What is the impact of exploiting CVE-2021-36934?

    Exploiting CVE-2021-36934 allows an attacker to read the Security Account Manager (SAM) file, leading to elevation of privileges to SYSTEM level.

  • Is there a workaround for CVE-2021-36934 before applying a fix?

    A recommended workaround for CVE-2021-36934 is to limit access to shadow copies and configure appropriate Access Control Lists (ACLs) until the patch is applied.

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