Microsoft Windows Server 20H2 up to Server 2019 Active Directory Domain Services privilege escalation

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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7.2$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability has been found in Microsoft Windows and classified as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component Active Directory Domain Services. Performing a manipulation results in an unknown weakness. This vulnerability is cataloged as CVE-2021-42278. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. Furthermore, there is an exploit available. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Microsoft Windows (Operating System). This affects an unknown part of the component Active Directory Domain Services. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Active Directory Domain Services Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

The weakness was shared 11/09/2021 as confirmed security guidance (Website). It is possible to read the advisory at portal.msrc.microsoft.com. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2021-42278. Technical details are unknown but a public exploit is available.

The exploit is shared for download at exploit.ph. It is declared as attacked. We expect the 0-day to have been worth approximately $25k-$100k. The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog lists this issue since 04/11/2022 with a due date of 05/02/2022:

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.5
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.2

VulDB Base Score: 7.5
VulDB Temp Score: 7.2
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Vendor Base Score (Microsoft): 7.5
Vendor Vector (Microsoft): 🔍

NVD Base Score: 7.5
NVD Vector: 🔍

CNA Base Score: 7.5
CNA Vector (Microsoft): 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Privilege escalation
CWE: Unknown
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Access: Public
Status: Attacked
Download: 🔍

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

KEV Added: 🔍
KEV Due: 🔍
KEV Remediation: 🔍
KEV Ransomware: 🔍
KEV Notice: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Patch
Status: 🔍

Reaction Time: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Exposure Time: 🔍

Timelineinfo

10/12/2021 🔍
11/09/2021 +28 days 🔍
11/09/2021 +0 days 🔍
11/10/2021 +0 days 🔍
10/30/2025 +1450 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: microsoft.com
Product: microsoft.com

Advisory: portal.msrc.microsoft.com
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2021-42278 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2021-42278
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-186399
scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20140213

Entryinfo

Created: 11/10/2021 08:30
Updated: 10/30/2025 21:41
Changes: 11/10/2021 08:30 (34), 11/10/2021 08:34 (21), 11/12/2021 01:04 (2), 12/14/2021 21:01 (8), 04/25/2024 15:26 (28), 07/04/2024 07:54 (27), 09/21/2024 10:49 (1), 10/30/2025 21:41 (1)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

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