CVE-2021-34481

CVE-2021-34481 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 45% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-269.

Key facts

Description

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.</p> <p><strong>UPDATE</strong> August 10, 2021: Microsoft has completed the investigation and has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Please see the Security Updates table for the applicable update for your system. We recommend that you install these updates immediately. This security update changes the Point and Print default behavior; please see <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/help/5005652">KB5005652</a>.</p>

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-34481?
<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.</p> <p><strong>UPDATE</strong> August 10, 2021: Microsoft has completed the investigation and has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Please see the Security Updates table for the applicable update for your system. We recommend that you install these updates immediately. This security update changes the Point and Print default behavior; please see <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/help/5005652">KB5005652</a>.</p>
How severe is CVE-2021-34481?
CVE-2021-34481 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-34481 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 45% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-34481?
CVE-2021-34481 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-34481?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-34481 published?
CVE-2021-34481 was published on 2021-07-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (16)

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