CVE-2023-21755: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2023-21755) is a security flaw that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. The vulnerability was disclosed on January 10, 2023, and is classified with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH). This vulnerability is unique from several other Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities discovered in the same timeframe (CVE-2023-21675, CVE-2023-21747, CVE-2023-21748, CVE-2023-21749, CVE-2023-21750, CVE-2023-21754, CVE-2023-21772, CVE-2023-21773, CVE-2023-21774) (NVD).

The vulnerability is characterized by two distinct weakness types: Improper Privilege Management (CWE-269) and Use After Free (CWE-416). It has received a CVSS v3.1 vector of CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating local access requirements with low attack complexity and privilege requirements, no user interaction needed, and high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (NVD).

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges on affected systems. With a high severity rating and maximum impact scores for confidentiality, integrity, and availability, successful exploitation could give an attacker complete control over the affected system (NVD).

Microsoft has released security updates to address this vulnerability across multiple affected Windows versions, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server installations. The fixes are available through various KB updates including KB5022282, KB5022286, KB5022287, and KB5022303 (Rapid7).