CVE-2022-44698

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen contains a security feature bypass vulnerability that could allow an attacker to evade Mark of the Web (MOTW)…

Browse: All 2022 CVEs · All vendors

CVSS score
5.4 Medium
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L
CISA KEV
Yes — actively exploited (added 2022-12-13, remediation due 2023-01-03)
Ransomware
Known ransomware campaign use
Weakness (CWE)
CWE-755
Published
2022-12-13
Last modified
2026-06-17
NVD status
Analyzed

Description

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen contains a security feature bypass vulnerability that could allow an attacker to evade Mark of the Web (MOTW) defenses via a specially crafted malicious file.

Affected products

Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.

Required action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2023-01-03.

How to prioritize this

This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.

References

FAQ

Is CVE-2022-44698 actively exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2022-44698 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2022-12-13, with a federal remediation deadline of 2023-01-03. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2022-44698?

CVE-2022-44698 has a CVSS base score of 5.4 (Medium). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L.

Related vulnerabilities

Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.