CVE-2022-21999: Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2022-21999 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Path Traversal vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 25-03-2022. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 41.01% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 98.6% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded.

Timeline

1. 09-02-2022
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 25-03-2022
   Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Windows Print Spooler Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
3. 15-04-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
• 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.