CVE-2021-43768
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges via the COM interface in Malwarebytes For Teams service (mbamservice.exe). It affects organizations using Malwarebytes For Teams versions 1.0.990 and earlier, potentially allowing attackers to gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Malwarebytes For Teams
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local access could gain SYSTEM-level privileges, potentially compromising the entire endpoint and enabling lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
A malicious insider or malware with local execution could elevate privileges to install persistent backdoors, disable security controls, or access protected system resources.
If Mitigated
With proper endpoint security controls and least privilege principles, the impact would be limited to isolated endpoint compromise without significant lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of COM interface exploitation. No public exploit code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 1.0.1003 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.malwarebytes.com/secure/cves/cve-2021-43768
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Malwarebytes For Teams console. 2. Navigate to Settings > About. 3. Check current version. 4. If below 1.0.1003, update through the console or download latest version from vendor portal. 5. Verify update completes successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict COM Interface Access
WindowsApply COM security settings to restrict access to the vulnerable interface
Use Component Services (dcomcnfg.exe) to modify permissions for the Malwarebytes COM objects
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict endpoint privilege management and application control policies
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and COM interface access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Malwarebytes For Teams version in Settings > About or via registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes For TeamsCheck Version:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes For Teams" /v VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 1.0.1003 or higher and verify mbamservice.exe is running the updated version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual COM interface access to mbamservice.exe
- Privilege escalation events in Windows Security logs
- Malwarebytes service restart or modification events
Network Indicators:
- Local RPC/COM traffic patterns indicative of privilege escalation attempts
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName="mbamservice.exe" AND ParentProcessName contains suspicious process