CVE-2019-1129: Microsoft Windows AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2019-1129 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Link Following vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 15-03-2022. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 1.78% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 77.9% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 29-07-2019
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 15-03-2022
   Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Windows AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
3. 05-04-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) improperly handles hard links, aka 'Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1130.

• CWE-59Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.