Local service interruption via installer link following
Published Feb 14, 2023 · Updated Aug 19, 2026
Improper link resolution in Microsoft .NET Framework allows local users to corrupt SYSTEM-writable files and interrupt services. The Visual Studio WMI Setup Provider Installer follows an attacker-controlled link during local file access, redirecting its privileged write to another file. Exploitation requires low-privilege local access and user interaction; the reported consequence is service interruption, with no disclosure or code execution reported.
Summary
What happened
Improper link resolution in Microsoft .NET Framework allows local users to corrupt SYSTEM-writable files and interrupt services. The Visual Studio WMI Setup Provider Installer follows an attacker-controlled link during local file access, redirecting its privileged write to another file. Exploitation requires low-privilege local access and user interaction; the reported consequence is service interruption, with no disclosure or code execution reported.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-21722
- Published
- Feb 14, 2023
- Updated
- Aug 19, 2026
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1
- Classifications
- CWE-59, T1499.004
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Feb 14, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 19, 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=4.8.1 <10.0.09139.02
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
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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