CVE-2026-21533
KEVMicrosoft Windows Improper Privilege Management Vulnerability
Description
Microsoft Windows Remote Desktop Services contains an improper privilege management vulnerability that could allow an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Improper privilege management in Windows Remote Desktop allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
CVSS 3.1 vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HPublishedFeb 10, 2026
Last modifiedJun 17, 2026
Added to KEVFeb 10, 2026
Remediation dueMar 3, 2026
References
- msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-21533Vendor Advisory
- vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2026-21533-detection-script-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-in-windows-remote-desktopThird Party Advisory
- vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/cve-2026-21533-mitigation-script-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-in-windows-remote-desktopMitigationThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-21533US Government Resource
0 recent articles mention this CVE
69
Risk assessment · High
Actively exploited. Patch immediately.
- Exploitation
- Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Federal remediation deadline
- Overdue by 239 days
- CVSS
- 7.8 HIGH
- EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
- 4.2% · top 9% of all CVEs
- Weakness
- CWE-269
Recommended actions
- 1.Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
- 3.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.
Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.