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7.2

Windows Defender on Windows 8/RT may elevate local users

CVE-2013-0078 · published 13 years ago
Summary

The antimalware component in Windows Defender for Windows 8 and Windows RT uses a wrong file path, which can be tricked by a specially crafted program to give a regular user higher privileges. This could let an attacker run code with more rights on the system. Apply the latest Windows updates or patches to correct the path and protect against this issue.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
microsoft windows_defender All versions
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_defender:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
The Microsoft Antimalware Client in Windows Defender on Windows 8 and Windows RT uses an incorrect pathname for MsMpEng.exe, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, a...
The Microsoft Antimalware Client in Windows Defender on Windows 8 and Windows RT uses an incorrect pathname for MsMpEng.exe, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Microsoft Antimalware Improper Pathname Vulnerability."
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 14 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Severity
7.2 High
Exploitation
2% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-20Improper Input Validation
Timeline
Published9 Apr 2013
Updated3 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2013-0078 · NVD
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