CVE-2023-32049 Microsoft Windows Defender SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Defender SmartScreen contains a security feature bypass vulnerability that allows an attacker to bypass the Open File - Security Warning prompt.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 11 Jul 2023.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 8.8, scored by Vendor).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,214 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
Windows SmartScreen Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 | 10.0.17763.0 to before 10.0.17763.4645 |
| Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 | 10.0.0 to before 10.0.17763.4645 |
| Microsoft Windows Server 2019 | 10.0.17763.0 to before 10.0.17763.4645 |
| Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) | 10.0.17763.0 to before 10.0.17763.4645 |
| Microsoft Windows Server 2022 | 10.0.20348.0 to before 10.0.20348.1850 |
| Microsoft Windows 11 version 21H2 | 10.0.0 to before 10.0.22000.2176 |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Microsoft Windows. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
Fix it
Apply updates per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if updates are unavailable.
Vulnerability Management - 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
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
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