CVE-2019-0841VulnerabilityPublished 03/15/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2019-0841: Microsoft Windows AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Affects Microsoft WindowsSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 03/15/2022
KEV deadline: 04/05/2022
Ransomware: Used in ransomware campaigns
EPSS: 41.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 98% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-0841 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2019-0841 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) caused by improper handling of hard links. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to run processes with elevated privileges. This vulnerability has been exploited in the wild and is associated with known ransomware campaigns.

Summary

The vulnerability CVE-2019-0841 affects the Windows AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC). It arises from improper handling of hard links, which can be leveraged by an attacker to escalate privileges and execute processes in an elevated security context. The vulnerability has been observed in active exploitation scenarios, including ransomware campaigns.

Impact

Exploitation of this vulnerability enables an attacker to gain elevated privileges on a vulnerable Windows system, potentially allowing execution of arbitrary code with higher permissions. This can lead to full system compromise depending on the privileges obtained.

Mitigation

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no patch or official fix information is provided, users should monitor Microsoft advisories for updates and apply any available security updates promptly.

Weaknesses

CWE-59Unclassified weakness (opens in a new tab)

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 10:42:24 UTC

Weaknesses

References

Related threats