CVE-2022-44698
KEVRansomware UseMicrosoft Defender SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Description
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen contains a security feature bypass vulnerability that could allow an attacker to evade Mark of the Web (MOTW) defenses via a specially crafted malicious file.
Windows SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
CVSS 3.1 vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:LPublishedDec 13, 2022
Last modifiedJun 17, 2026
Added to KEVDec 13, 2022
Remediation dueJan 3, 2023
References
- msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2022-44698PatchVendor Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-44698US Government Resource
0 recent articles mention this CVE
75
Risk assessment · High
Actively exploited and used by ransomware crews. Patch immediately.
- Exploitation
- Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Federal remediation deadline
- Overdue by 1392 days
- Ransomware
- Used in known ransomware campaigns
- CVSS
- 5.4 MEDIUM
- EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
- 76.3% · top 1% of all CVEs
- Weakness
- NVD-CWE-noinfo
- Attack vector
- Network, remotely reachable
Recommended actions
- 1.Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
- 3.Review exposure: confirm which instances are reachable from the internet and restrict access until patched.
- 4.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.
- 5.Verify offline/immutable backups and segment the affected systems. This flaw is used for ransomware initial access.
Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.