CVE-2022-21999VulnerabilityPublished 03/25/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2022-21999: Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Affects Microsoft WindowsSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 03/25/2022
KEV deadline: 04/15/2022
Ransomware: Used in ransomware campaigns
EPSS: 41.0% 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-2022-21999 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2022-21999 is a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Print Spooler service. The vulnerability is unspecified in detail but is known to be exploited in the wild and has been used in ransomware campaigns. No specific affected versions or patch information is provided in the available data.

Summary

Microsoft Windows Print Spooler contains an unspecified vulnerability (CVE-2022-21999) that allows an attacker to escalate privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-40 (Improper Resource Shutdown or Release) and CWE-1386 (Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions). It has been observed in active exploitation scenarios, including ransomware campaigns, indicating its practical impact in real-world attacks. No detailed technical information or patch status is provided in the source data.

Impact

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to escalate privileges on a Windows system, potentially gaining higher-level access than intended. This can facilitate further compromise, including deployment of ransomware. The vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild, increasing the urgency of mitigation.

Mitigation

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Due to the lack of explicit patch or fix information, organizations should monitor official Microsoft advisories and apply updates as soon as they become available. Until a patch is released, consider applying any recommended workarounds or mitigations provided by Microsoft.

CVE-2022-21999: Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

What to do

Description

Summary

Impact

Mitigation

Weaknesses

References

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 11:11:05 UTC

Weaknesses

References

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