Microsoft Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft · Windows
CVSS 7.8
EPSS 19%
1 public exploit
ransomware
Fix deadline passed 3 May 2022
What it is
Microsoft Windows contains an unspecified vulnerability due to the way ws2ifsl.sys (Winsock) handles objects in memory, allowing for privilege escalation. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.
Why we say that
- Linked by CISA to known ransomware campaigns
- 1 public exploit published
- 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.
Public exploit code
Indexed from Exploit-DB. Presence of code raises urgency; absence does not mean safety.
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…