CVE-2021-1686 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Windows WalletService Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was published by Microsoft on January 12, 2021, with a base severity of HIGH.

Understanding CVE-2021-1686

This vulnerability impacts various versions of Windows 10, including 20H2, 1803, 1809, 1909, 2004, 1507, and 1607.

What is CVE-2021-1686?

The CVE-2021-1686 is an Elevation of Privilege vulnerability in Windows WalletService that allows an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1686

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH. An attacker could exploit this flaw to escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1686

This vulnerability has a CVSSv3 base score of 7.8 (HIGH). It affects multiple platforms and can be exploited by an authenticated attacker.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the Windows WalletService, enabling unauthorized privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows 10 versions 20H2, 1803, 1809, 1909, 2004, 1507, and 1607 on various system architectures are impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with local access can exploit this vulnerability to run arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2021-1686, immediate action is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security patch provided by Microsoft to remediate the vulnerability.
Limit user access and permissions to reduce the attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update systems with the latest security patches and updates.
Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates from Microsoft to address known vulnerabilities.