Microsoft Windows Group Policy Preferences Password Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft · Windows
CVSS 8.8
EPSS 65%
no public exploit indexed
ransomware
Fix deadline passed 3 May 2022
What it is
Microsoft Windows Active Directory contains a privilege escalation vulnerability due to the way it distributes passwords that are configured using Group Policy preferences. An authenticated attacker who successfully exploits the vulnerability could decrypt the passwords and use them to elevate privileges on the domain.
Why we say that
- Linked by CISA to known ransomware campaigns
- EPSS puts exploitation in the next 30 days at 65%
- CISA's federal remediation deadline (2022-05-03) has passed
- Listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
Every line above comes from a named public source. Where the evidence is thin, we say so rather than inventing confidence — see methodology.
What to do
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
What it costs when this goes wrong
This is where UK enforcement meets the vulnerability record. This vulnerability is used in ransomware campaigns; here is what ransomware has cost UK organisations at the regulator.
- Advanced Computer Software Group Limited The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined Advanced Computer Software Group Ltd (Advanced) £3.07m for security failings…
- Optionis Group Limited The data controller suffered a ransomware attack, which resulted in the exfiltration of personal data. A reprimand was issued in r…