External risk intelligence

Windows MSHTML Privilege Escalation Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-32046

A vulnerability in the Windows MSHTML Platform allows an attacker to elevate privileges on a system. This could impact organizations using affected Windows operating systems, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or modification, posing a business risk.

1Halo Surface Signal

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

before 10.0.10240.20048before 10.0.14393.6085before 10.0.17763.4645before 10.0.19041.3208before 10.0.19045.3208before 10.0.22000.2176before 10.0.22621.1992r2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-32046

This vulnerability resides within the Windows MSHTML platform and requires local execution or user interaction on a target system to trigger. It is not a network-accessible service, gateway, or public-facing endpoint, and it does not provide a path for remote network-based exploitation.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Windows MSHTML Platform contains a vulnerability that allows for an attacker to elevate their privileges on a system. This flaw resides within the platform's rendering engine, potentially impacting organizations that utilize affected Windows operating systems. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and modification of sensitive data, posing a significant business risk.

  • Vulnerable Windows component
  • Flaw allows privilege escalation
  • Potential for data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to gain elevated privileges on a Windows system. The attack requires the attacker to trick a user into opening a specially crafted document. Successful exploitation grants the attacker higher-level permissions on the compromised system, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data or further compromise the environment.

  • Local exposure required.
  • Attacker needs user interaction.
  • Elevated privileges result.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability affects the Windows MSHTML platform, potentially allowing an attacker to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system. The exploitation requires a user to interact with a malicious element, such as opening a specially crafted document or link. The business risk is considered significant due to the potential for attackers to gain higher levels of control within affected systems, impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • Requires local access or user interaction.
  • Business risk is high.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The organization should address the Windows MSHTML Platform Elevation of Privilege vulnerability to mitigate potential risks. This vulnerability impacts the integrity and confidentiality of data by allowing for an escalation of privileges on affected systems. Addressing this issue is crucial to maintaining system security and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access or modification.

  • Find affected Windows assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Windows MSHTML Platform that is affected by CVE-2023-32046?

The Windows MSHTML Platform is a component of Windows that handles the rendering of web content and documents. CVE-2023-32046 exploits a vulnerability within this platform's rendering engine, which can allow for privilege escalation on affected systems.

What type of weakness does CVE-2023-32046 represent, and how can it be exploited?

CVE-2023-32046 represents an Elevation of Privilege vulnerability. Exploitation requires an attacker to trick a user into opening a specially crafted document or link, which then allows the attacker to gain higher-level permissions on the compromised system.

What is the scope of impact for CVE-2023-32046, and what negation is relevant?

The vulnerability has a local scope, meaning an attacker needs local access or user interaction to exploit it. It does not provide a path for remote network-based exploitation, as it is not a network-accessible service or public-facing endpoint.

How relevant is CVE-2023-32046, and what specific threat advisory information is available?

This vulnerability is highly relevant due to the potential for attackers to gain elevated privileges, impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability. The Halo Surface Signal indicates it is 'Very unlikely' to be exploited remotely, but local exploitation is a significant business risk. The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog lists CVE-2023-32046, adding to its relevance.

What practical steps should be taken to respond to CVE-2023-32046?

Organizations should identify all affected Windows assets, reduce exposure by isolating risks where possible, and apply necessary updates from Microsoft to fix the vulnerability. Verification of the fix and ongoing monitoring are also crucial steps to maintain system security.

References