How severe is CVE-2021-36945?

CVE-2021-36945 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-36945 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (75th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-36945?

CVE-2021-36945 affects Microsoft Windows 10 Update Assistant. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-36945?

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-2021-36945 published?

CVE-2021-36945 was published on 2021-08-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-36945

CVE-2021-36945 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 Update Assistant with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-269.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (75th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10 Update Assistant
Published: 2021-08-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Windows 10 Update Assistant Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-36945?: Windows 10 Update Assistant Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2021-36945?: CVE-2021-36945 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-36945 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (75th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-36945?: CVE-2021-36945 affects Microsoft Windows 10 Update Assistant. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-36945?: 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-2021-36945 published?: CVE-2021-36945 was published on 2021-08-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-36945

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_10_update_assistant:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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