How severe is CVE-2022-21996?

CVE-2022-21996 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2022-21996 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2022-21996?

CVE-2022-21996 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 11. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2022-21996?

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-2022-21996 published?

CVE-2022-21996 was published on 2022-02-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-21996

CVE-2022-21996 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 11 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (86th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 11
Published: 2022-02-09
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-21996?: Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2022-21996?: CVE-2022-21996 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2022-21996 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-21996?: CVE-2022-21996 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 11. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-21996?: 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-2022-21996 published?: CVE-2022-21996 was published on 2022-02-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2022-21996

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11:-:*:*:*:*:*:arm64:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11:-:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*

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