CVE-2023-36884
KEVRansomware UseMicrosoft Windows Search Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
Microsoft Windows Search contains an unspecified vulnerability that could allow an attacker to evade Mark of the Web (MOTW) defenses via a specially crafted malicious file, leading to remote code execution.
Windows Search Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CVSS 3.1 vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HPublishedJul 11, 2023
Last modifiedAug 10, 2026
Added to KEVJul 17, 2023
Remediation dueAug 29, 2023
References
- msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-36884PatchVendor Advisory
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Jul/43Broken LinkMailing List
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-36884US Government Resource
0 recent articles mention this CVE
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Risk assessment · Critical
Actively exploited and used by ransomware crews. Patch immediately.
- Exploitation
- Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Federal remediation deadline
- Overdue by 1154 days
- Ransomware
- Used in known ransomware campaigns
- CVSS
- 7.5 HIGH
- EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
- 99.4% · top 1% of all CVEs
- Weakness
- CWE-362
- Attack vector
- Network, remotely reachable
Recommended actions
- 1.Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- 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.