CVE-2019-0722 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Windows Hyper-V on a host server fails to properly validate input from an authenticated user on a guest operating system, aka 'Windows Hyper-V Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0620, CVE-2019-0709.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0722 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows Hyper-V virtualization platform that affects host servers running Hyper-V roles. This vulnerability specifically targets the validation mechanisms employed by Hyper-V when processing input from guest operating systems, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the host system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the Hyper-V kernel components that handle communication between virtual machines and the underlying host infrastructure, allowing authenticated guest users to exploit this weakness and potentially compromise the entire host environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how Hyper-V processes certain input parameters from guest virtual machines, particularly within the virtualization layer that manages memory and processor resources. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious inputs that bypass normal validation checks, potentially leading to privilege escalation and complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 where Hyper-V is enabled, with the attack vector requiring authentication within the guest operating system. This places the vulnerability in the CWE-20 category, which encompasses "Improper Input Validation," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as well as T1068 for bypassing security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0722 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it enables attackers to potentially gain persistent access to host systems while maintaining control over multiple virtual machines. This creates a significant threat landscape where a single compromised guest could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration, particularly in environments where multiple virtual machines share the same host infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges within the guest operating system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant cloud environments or enterprise settings where guest isolation is expected. Organizations running Hyper-V environments face potential data breaches, system compromise, and denial of service conditions that could affect business continuity and regulatory compliance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0722 should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the input validation flaw in Hyper-V components. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit guest user privileges and reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary Hyper-V features, implementing strict virtual machine monitoring, and maintaining comprehensive audit logs to detect suspicious activities. Organizations should also consider implementing micro-segmentation strategies and privilege management controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date virtualization infrastructure and following security best practices for managing multi-tenant virtual environments, particularly in cloud computing and data center deployments where Hyper-V is commonly utilized.