smss.exe debugging subsystem in Windows NT and Windows 2000 does not properly authenticate programs that connect to other programs, which allows local users to gain administrator or SYSTEM privileges by duplicating a handle to a privileged process, as demonstrated by DebPloit.
CISA has listed this vulnerability in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
smss.exe debugging subsystem in Windows NT and Windows 2000 does not properly authenticate programs that connect to other programs, which allows local users to gain administrator or SYSTEM privileges by duplicating a handle to a privileged process, as demonstrated by DebPloit.
Confirm exposure before applying a vendor-supported change.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Due date: 2022.03.24Confirm that Microsoft Windows and an affected version are present.
Combine exploitation signals with asset exposure and business criticality.
Follow the vendor advisory or supported update path and preserve rollback options.
Recheck the version, service health, access paths, and relevant logs.
