Microsoft Windows Update Assistant Directory Junction Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within Windows Update Assistant. By creating a directory junction, an attacker can abuse Windows Update Assistant to delete a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of Administrator.

Given the nature of the vulnerability the only salient mitigation strategy is to restrict interaction with the application.

At time of publication no CVE number has been assigned to this.