CVE-2021-40449
HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 73.38%
Last modified
CVE-2021-40449 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 73.38% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.
Description
Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Metrics
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Exploitation Status
This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by .
Weakness Enumeration
Affected Software
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1507 | < 10.0.10240.19086 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1607 | < 10.0.14393.4704 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1809 | < 10.0.17763.2237 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1909 | < 10.0.18363.1854 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 2004 | < 10.0.19041.1288 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 20h2 | < 10.0.19041.1288 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 21h1 | < 10.0.19041.1288 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 | All versions | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 21h2 | < 10.0.22000.258 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows 7 | All versions | Sp1 |
| Microsoft | Windows 8.1 | All versions | — |
| Microsoft | Windows Rt 8.1 | All versions | — |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2004 | < 10.0.19041.1288 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 | All versions | Sp2 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 | r2 | Sp1 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 | All versions | — |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 | r2 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2016 | < 10.0.14393.4704 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 | < 10.0.17763.2237 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2022 | < 10.0.20348.288 | — |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 20h2 | < 10.0.19042.1288 | — |
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164926/Win32k-NtGdiResetDC-Use-After-Free-Local-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-40449Patch, Vendor Advisory
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164926/Win32k-NtGdiResetDC-Use-After-Free-Local-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-40449Patch, Vendor Advisory
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-40449US Government Resource
Timeline
- Published
- Last Modified
- Status
- Analyzed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2021-40449?
Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2021-40449?
CVE-2021-40449 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 73.38% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40449?
Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.
How Strix Helps
- How Strix found a critical auth bypass in etcdStrix autonomously discovered a critical authentication bypass in etcd, later designated CVE-2026-33413.
- Autonomous PentestingAI agents that find and validate exploitable vulnerabilities like this one across your applications.
- PR ReviewsPentest every pull request so vulnerable code is caught before it ships to production.
- AI Penetration TestingHow AI-driven penetration testing continuously covers your attack surface.
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Are you affected by CVE-2021-40449?
Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.
Scan your code nowSource: NVD / NIST