CVE-2022-22718: Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE-2022-22718 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Print Spooler. An attacker who can already run code in a less-privileged context may be able to elevate to higher privileges on the affected system. Privilege escalation flaws matter because they turn limited footholds into full control of a host, enabling further lateral movement, persistence, or data access. Specifics such as exact builds and attack preconditions must be confirmed against the vendor advisory.

CISA describes the issue as an unspecified vulnerability in the Windows Print Spooler that allows privilege escalation and directs organizations to apply updates per Microsoft’s instructions. Known ransomware use is not documented for this CVE.

How it works

The Print Spooler is a core Windows service that manages print jobs and related printer configuration. Privilege-escalation vulnerabilities in this component typically arise when the service mishandles requests, objects, or configuration data in a way that lets a lower-privileged process influence higher-privileged operations. An attacker who already has a foothold on the system—through phishing, a separate vulnerability, or a compromised account—could abuse the flaw to obtain elevated rights on that same host.

Because the CWE is not specified in the available record, defenders should treat this as a classic local privilege-escalation issue against a privileged Windows service. Exact exploitation mechanics, required access rights, and any race or object-handling details are not provided here and must be taken only from the vendor advisory. Do not assume remote code execution; the documented impact is privilege escalation.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

The Print Spooler runs by default on many Windows clients and servers, including domain controllers and print servers. Inventory every Windows endpoint and server, then determine whether the Print Spooler service is present and running. Check installed updates and build information against the Microsoft advisory for CVE-2022-22718 to identify systems that still lack the fix.

• Use your asset inventory, SCCM/Intune, WSUS, or vulnerability scanner to list Windows hosts and their patch levels.
• Query service state (for example, whether Spooler is running or set to automatic) on servers that handle printing or that you have not intentionally hardened.
• Review recent privilege-escalation or unusual service activity in security logs, EDR telemetry, and Windows event logs related to the spooler process; treat anomalies as leads for investigation, not proof of exploitation.
• Confirm exact affected configurations and fixed builds only from the vendor advisory—do not rely on version guesses.

How to remediate

Patch first. Apply the Microsoft updates that address CVE-2022-22718 exactly as directed in the vendor advisory and in line with CISA’s required action to apply updates per vendor instructions. Prioritize domain controllers, print servers, jump hosts, and any system where untrusted users or processes can run code.

• Deploy the security update through your normal patch pipeline, then verify installation via build/KB checks and scanner re-scans.
• After patching, restart services or hosts if the advisory requires it so the fixed code is loaded.
• Where printing is not required, reduce attack surface by disabling the Print Spooler service and blocking related inbound/outbound print protocols at the host firewall, consistent with Microsoft hardening guidance for this component class.
• Enforce least privilege so that users and services cannot install drivers or alter spooler configuration without need.

If you can't patch immediately

Until the vendor update is installed, reduce exposure with compensating controls. These do not replace the patch.

• Disable the Print Spooler on systems that do not need to print or act as print servers; monitor for unauthorized re-enablement.
• Segment hosts that must keep the spooler running; limit who can log on interactively or run code on those systems.
• Apply application control and EDR policies that constrain execution and privilege changes involving spooler-related binaries and drivers.
• If you use a WAF or host-based IPS, enable any vendor-supplied virtual patches only after confirming they match this CVE; do not assume coverage.
• Heighten monitoring for local privilege-escalation behaviors, unexpected spooler crashes or restarts, and new high-privilege accounts or services.

If your data may have been exposed

Actively exploited privilege-escalation vulnerabilities are commonly used after initial access to deepen a compromise and reach sensitive data. If you have reason to believe systems were exposed before patching, follow your incident-response process: isolate affected hosts, preserve logs and memory as appropriate, rotate credentials that may have been accessible, and hunt for persistence and lateral movement. You can also run a free exposure scan of your email addresses against known breach data to see whether associated credentials or identities appear in prior public breaches, then force resets and enable stronger authentication where needed.