What is CVE-2022-22753?

A Time-of-Check Time-of-Use bug existed in the Maintenance (Updater) Service that could be abused to grant Users write access to an arbitrary directory. This could have been used to escalate to SYSTEM access. *This bug only affects Firefox on Windows. Other operating systems are unaffected.*. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 97, Thunderbird < 91.6, and Firefox ESR < 91.6.

How severe is CVE-2022-22753?

CVE-2022-22753 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2022-22753 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (46th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2022-22753?

CVE-2022-22753 primarily affects Mozilla Firefox. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2022-22753?

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-2022-22753 published?

CVE-2022-22753 was published on 2022-12-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-22753

Q: How severe is CVE-2022-22753?

CVE-2022-22753 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Q: Is CVE-2022-22753 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (46th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Q: What products are affected by CVE-2022-22753?

CVE-2022-22753 primarily affects Mozilla Firefox. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

Q: How do I fix CVE-2022-22753?

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.

Q: When was CVE-2022-22753 published?

CVE-2022-22753 was published on 2022-12-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-22753 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. 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-367.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.1)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (46th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-367
Affected product: Mozilla Firefox
Published: 2022-12-22
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A Time-of-Check Time-of-Use bug existed in the Maintenance (Updater) Service that could be abused to grant Users write access to an arbitrary directory. This could have been used to escalate to SYSTEM access.<br>*This bug only affects Firefox on Windows. Other operating systems are unaffected.*. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 97, Thunderbird < 91.6, and Firefox ESR < 91.6.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-22753?: A Time-of-Check Time-of-Use bug existed in the Maintenance (Updater) Service that could be abused to grant Users write access to an arbitrary directory. This could have been used to escalate to SYSTEM access.<br>*This bug only affects Firefox on Windows. Other operating systems are unaffected.*. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 97, Thunderbird < 91.6, and Firefox ESR < 91.6.
How severe is CVE-2022-22753?: CVE-2022-22753 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2022-22753 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (46th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-22753?: CVE-2022-22753 primarily affects Mozilla Firefox. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-22753?: 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-2022-22753 published?: CVE-2022-22753 was published on 2022-12-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:mozilla:firefox:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mozilla:firefox_esr:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mozilla:thunderbird:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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