CVE-2021-3440 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-3440, a vulnerability in HP Print and Scan Doctor allowing local privilege escalation. Find out how to mitigate risks and update your system for security.
HP Print and Scan Doctor, an application within the HP Smart App for Windows, is potentially vulnerable to a local elevation of privilege exploit.
Understanding CVE-2021-3440
This CVE ID pertains to a security vulnerability found in HP Print and Scan Doctor, potentially allowing attackers to elevate their privileges locally.
What is CVE-2021-3440?
CVE-2021-3440 refers to a security flaw in HP Print and Scan Doctor, an application contained within the HP Smart App for Windows. This vulnerability could be exploited by a threat actor to gain elevated privileges on the local system.
The Impact of CVE-2021-3440
If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could enable malicious individuals to run arbitrary code with elevated privileges, leading to unauthorized access and control of the affected Windows system.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-3440
This section focuses on the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in HP Print and Scan Doctor allows attackers to locally escalate their privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and control.
Affected Systems and Versions
HP Print and Scan Doctor versions before 128.1.217 are affected by this security issue.
Exploitation Mechanism
Threat actors can exploit this vulnerability by executing specially crafted actions within the application to gain elevated privileges on the target Windows system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Here are some essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-3440.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update HP Print and Scan Doctor to version 128.1.217 or newer to address this vulnerability. Additionally, users should monitor for any suspicious activities on their systems.
Long-Term Security Practices
Maintaining up-to-date software and employing security best practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regularly monitoring for security advisories and applying patches promptly is crucial.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for updates from HP and apply patches as soon as they are available to ensure the security of your system against known threats.