CVE-2002-0367VulnerabilityPublished 03/03/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2002-0367: Microsoft Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Affects Microsoft WindowsSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 03/03/2022
KEV deadline: 03/24/2022
EPSS: 4.9% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 92% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2002-0367 (opens in a new tab)

Description

A vulnerability in the smss.exe debugging subsystem of Microsoft Windows allows local users to escalate privileges to administrator or SYSTEM level by exploiting improper authentication of inter-process connections.

Summary

CVE-2002-0367 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Microsoft Windows where the smss.exe debugging subsystem fails to properly authenticate programs that connect to other programs. This flaw enables local users to gain elevated privileges such as administrator or SYSTEM, potentially allowing them to perform unauthorized actions on the affected system.

Impact

Local users can exploit this vulnerability to gain administrator or SYSTEM privileges, significantly increasing their control over the affected Windows system. This can lead to unauthorized system modifications, installation of malicious software, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability has been exploited in the wild.

Mitigation

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance.

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 10:12:05 UTC

References

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