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7.1
CVE-2019-1161: Microsoft Defender can let attackers delete any file
CVE-2019-1161 · published 7 years ago
Summary
The MpSigStub component in Windows Defender, Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010, Security Essentials, and System Center Endpoint Protection can be tricked into deleting files anywhere on the computer after a user logs in. An attacker who runs a crafted command could erase protected data when the component runs again. Installing the latest security update stops the unwanted deletions.
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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions |
|---|---|---|
| microsoft | windows_defender |
All versions
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_defender:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | forefront_endpoint_protection_2010 |
All versions
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:forefront_endpoint_protection_2010:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | security_essentials |
All versions
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:security_essentials:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | system_center_endpoint_protection |
2012 cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:system_center_endpoint_protection:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
Original advisory text
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the MpSigStub.exe for Defender allows file deletion in arbitrary locations.
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on ...
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the MpSigStub.exe for Defender allows file deletion in arbitrary locations.
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted command that could exploit the vulnerability and delete protected files on an affected system once MpSigStub.exe ran again.
The update addresses the vulnerability and blocks the arbitrary deletion.
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted command that could exploit the vulnerability and delete protected files on an affected system once MpSigStub.exe ran again.
The update addresses the vulnerability and blocks the arbitrary deletion.
References
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1161 Patch Vendor Advisory
Internet-facing
60 days
Internal
At next upgrade
- Not known to be exploited
- Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
- Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)
Timeline
Published14 Aug 2019
Updated3 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2019-1161 · NVD
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