Body Background
TrendAI™ Zero Day Initiative™ Logo

Microsoft Edge Installer Directory Junction Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

August 3rd, 2021

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Edge. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within Edge Installer. By creating a directory junction, an attacker can abuse Edge Installer to delete a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.

Additional Details

Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2021-36928

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2021-06-08 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2021-08-03 - Coordinated public release of advisory

Credit

Abdelhamid Naceri

Back to Advisories

Hero Background

Stand at the front line of proactive security

Trend ZDI connects the experts who discover, remediate, and defend.
Add your voice to the work that pushes attackers back.