Appsecure logo

CVE-2023-35374: High Vulnerability in Microsoft Paint 3D

A high-severity remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Paint 3D. Organizations are urged to patch immediately to prevent potential exploitation.

HIGHCVSS 7.8 · Published July 11, 2023

Not a customer? See how AppSecure simulates real world attacks to protect your infrastructure.

Speak to Experts

CVE-2023-35374 is a high-severity vulnerability classified as a remote code execution risk within Microsoft Paint 3D. This vulnerability allows attackers with local access to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to severe consequences for affected systems. The CVSS score is 7.8, reflecting its high criticality in the security landscape.

Organizations need to understand the real-world implications of this vulnerability. If exploited, attackers could gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, modify files, or disrupt service availability. Given the low attack complexity and the requirement for user interaction, the urgency for defenders to address this vulnerability is notably high.

Currently, there are no public exploits available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) database. However, the potential risk should not be underestimated, and organizations must prioritize patching this issue to protect against possible future attacks.

To mitigate the associated risks, organizations should schedule immediate patching of Microsoft Paint 3D. This proactive measure will help ensure the integrity and security of their systems.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability is described as a Paint 3D Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. The CVSS score of 7.8 categorizes it as high severity, indicating a significant risk to organizations. The vulnerability was published on July 11, 2023, and affects all versions of Microsoft Paint 3D prior to 6.2305.16087.0. It is associated with CWE-122, indicating an out-of-bounds write issue.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2023-35374 lies in improper handling of user input within the Paint 3D application. This vulnerability leverages a local attack vector, necessitating that an attacker has physical or remote access to an affected system. The attack complexity is rated as low, meaning that it does not require extensive technical skills to exploit.

No privileges are required for exploitation, but user interaction is necessary, as the victim must open a malicious file. The potential impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are severe, given the high ratings across all areas.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of services. Given the vulnerability's high CVSS score, organizations should assess their exposure and implement remediation as a priority. The blast radius could extend to numerous systems if not addressed promptly.

With the EPSS score indicating a low likelihood of exploitation, organizations should still act quickly to mitigate any potential risks associated with this vulnerability. The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is high due to the potential consequences of exploitation.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

All versions of Microsoft Paint 3D prior to 6.2305.16087.0 are affected by this vulnerability. It is essential for organizations to ensure they are running the latest version to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

Mitigation & Remediation

To address this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Microsoft as soon as possible. For organizations that cannot immediately patch, consider implementing workarounds or configuration changes to mitigate risks. Monitoring for unusual behavior in Paint 3D can also help detect potential exploitation attempts.

For comprehensive security validation, organizations may consider utilizing penetration testing services to ensure that existing defenses are effective against potential threats.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, particularly those related to Paint 3D. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected crashes or unapproved file access attempts, should be noted. Additionally, network signatures related to Paint 3D operations can provide insight into potential threats.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2023-35374 highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the potential consequences of neglecting patch management. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant, employing proactive measures to safeguard their systems. For effective response strategies, organizations can refer to resources such as penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management programs to enhance their security posture.

Additionally, organizations should be aware of emerging threats and consider participating in security initiatives to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities. The ongoing education of security teams and implementing robust incident response plans can mitigate the impact of vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-35374.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

Latest CVEs. Recently published vulnerabilities from the NVD database.

View all vulnerabilities
CVE IDSeverity
CVE-2025-65418HIGH
CVE-2025-65417MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65416MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65415MEDIUM
CVE-2025-61314HIGH

Protect Your Business with Hacker-Focused Approach.