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Actively exploitedKnown ransomware use

CVE-2019-0708 Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, formerly known as Terminal Service, contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated attacker to connect to the target system using RDP and send specially crafted requests. Successful exploitation allows for remote code execution. The vulnerability is also known under the moniker of BlueKeep.

From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.

Our Assessment

Should You Worry?

Patch nowCybergen assessment
  • CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 3 Nov 2021.
  • CISA lists it as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
  • Rated Critical severity (CVSS 9.8, scored by CISA).
  • Named in Cybergen threat actor reporting: LockBit.
  • It has been in the catalogue for 1,829 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
The Vulnerability

What It Is

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Remote Desktop Services formerly known as Terminal Services when an unauthenticated attacker connects to the target system using RDP and sends specially crafted requests, aka 'Remote Desktop Services Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.

Affected Versions

ProductVersions
Microsoft Windows7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1
7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Server2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Core installation)
2008 R2 for Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 1
2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Core installation)
2008 for Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 2
2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.

From Watch to Action

What To Do Now

  1. 1

    Find it

    Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.

    Attack Surface Management
  2. 2

    Fix it

    Apply updates per vendor instructions.

    Vulnerability Management
  3. 3

    Hunt for compromise

    If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.

    Incident Response
  4. 4

    Prove it is fixed

    Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.

    Penetration Testing

Vendor Advisories

Regulation

The Compliance Clock

Cyber EssentialsRated critical, so if it affects devices in your Cyber Essentials scope, the update must be installed within 14 days of the vendor releasing it.NIS2If exploitation causes a significant incident, essential and important entities owe their CSIRT an early warning within 24 hours and a notification within 72 hours.DORAFinancial entities must classify ICT incidents and send an initial notification for a major incident within strict deadlines, with exploited flaws a common cause.US federal (BOD 22-01)Federal civilian agencies had until 3 May 2022 to remediate. A sensible benchmark for everyone else.

General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.

Stay Ahead

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Evidence

Sources

  1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
  2. NVD: CVE-2019-0708
  3. CVE record: CVE-2019-0708
  4. FIRST EPSS
  5. portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-0708
  6. cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-932041.pdf
  7. cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-616199.pdf
  8. cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-433987.pdf
  9. cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-832947.pdf
  10. cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-166360.pdf
  11. cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-406175.pdf
  12. huawei.com/en/psirt/security-advisories/huawei-sa-20190529-01-windows-en