Encrypted-drive disclosure via interruptible WinRE reset
Published Nov 9, 2022 · Updated Aug 10, 2026
BitLocker bypass in Windows 10 and Windows 11 allows physically proximate attackers to read encrypted system-drive data through WinRE. During a push-button reset, WinRE retains BitLocker volume keys while decrypting the drive and permits interruption before key protectors are removed. Exploitation requires physical access, a vulnerable WinRE image, and TPM-only protection, and the reset process can destroy data.
Summary
What happened
BitLocker bypass in Windows 10 and Windows 11 allows physically proximate attackers to read encrypted system-drive data through WinRE. During a push-button reset, WinRE retains BitLocker volume keys while decrypting the drive and permits interruption before key protectors are removed. Exploitation requires physical access, a vulnerable WinRE image, and TPM-only protection, and the reset process can destroy data.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2022-41099
- Published
- Nov 9, 2022
- Updated
- Aug 10, 2026
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows 10 Version 1507
- Classifications
- T1005
- Attack vector
- physical
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Nov 9, 2022CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 10, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=10.0.10240.0 <10.0.10240.19567
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Push button decrypt procedurefunctional · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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