CVE-2022-50238 Security feature bypass in Windows
The local Windows driver blocklist is outdated compared to the online list, allowing potentially vulnerable drivers to load unless WDAC policies are manually synchronized.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2022-50238?
CVE-2022-50238 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, published on 8 Sep 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
The on-endpoint Microsoft vulnerable driver blocklist is not fully synchronized with the online Microsoft recommended driver block rules. Some entries present on the online list have been excluded from the on-endpoint blocklist longer than the expected periodic monthly Windows updates. It is possible to fully synchronize the driver blocklist using WDAC policies. NOTE: The vendor explains that Windows Update provides a smaller, compatibility-focused driver blocklist for general users, while the full XML list is available for advanced users and organizations to customize at the risk of usability issues.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-50238?
How do I fix CVE-2022-50238?
No fix has been published for CVE-2022-50238 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Is CVE-2022-50238 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2022-50238 exists.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-m379-7mfm-wqr6.