How severe is CVE-2022-44689?

CVE-2022-44689 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-2022-44689 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2022-44689?

CVE-2022-44689 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Subsystem For Linux. In total, 13 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2022-44689?

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-2022-44689 published?

CVE-2022-44689 was published on 2022-12-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-44689

CVE-2022-44689 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Subsystem For Linux 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-269.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (38th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Subsystem For Linux
Published: 2022-12-13
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-44689?: Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2022-44689?: CVE-2022-44689 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-2022-44689 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-44689?: CVE-2022-44689 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Subsystem For Linux. In total, 13 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-44689?: 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-2022-44689 published?: CVE-2022-44689 was published on 2022-12-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (13)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_subsystem_for_linux:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:20h2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:21h1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:21h2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:22h2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1809:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11:-:*:*:*:*:*:arm64:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11:-:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11:22h2:*:*:*:*:*:arm64:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11:22h2:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2019:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2022:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2022:-:*:*:*:azure:*:*:*

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