Troubleshooting
Your Windows system may be exposed to CVE-2022-43552, a critical flaw that lets attackers escalate privileges with just a single click.
If your updates are stuck or you’re seeing error codes like 0x80070643, you’re not alone—many users face this exact problem. The good news? You can verify your patch status, safely remove it if needed, and lock down your system without leaving gaps.
This guide walks you through checking your Windows version, confirming the patch is installed (or fixing it if it isn’t), and exploring removal steps when necessary—plus, how to harden your system if you can’t patch at all.
By the end, you’ll know exactly whether your system is protected, how to troubleshoot failed updates, and the one key setting that stops most exploits before they start.
How to verify if your Windows system is patched against CVE-2022-43552
CVE-2022-43552 is a critical privilege escalation vulnerability in Windows affecting versions Windows 10 (21H2) and Windows Server 2022. Microsoft released KB5015807 and subsequent updates to address it.
If your system lacks this patch, attackers could gain SYSTEM-level access without authentication. Below, I’ll guide you through three reliable verification methods to confirm your system’s patch status.
Before diving in, ensure you’re running the latest Windows version—this vulnerability only affects 21H2 and newer. If you’re on an older build, prioritize upgrading. The patch is included in cumulative updates, so check your Windows Update history first.
If you’re unsure, proceed to the step-by-step methods below, which cover registry keys, PowerShell, and manual checks.
⚠️ Critical Note: False negatives can occur if updates are partially installed or corrupted. Always cross-verify using multiple methods for accuracy. Below, I’ll walk you through each approach, including troubleshooting steps for missing updates or failed installations.
Step 1: Check Windows Update History
Action: Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
Look for: KB5015807 (or later cumulative updates for Windows 10 21H2). If missing, your system is vulnerable.
Troubleshoot: If the update isn’t listed, run Windows Update Troubleshooter from the Help > Troubleshoot menu.
Step 2: Verify via PowerShell
Command: Open PowerShell as Admin and run:
Get-HotFix | Where-Object {$.HotFixID -eq "KB5015807"}
Result: If the patch appears, your system is protected. If not, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Check Registry Key
Path: Navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\Packages.
Look for: A key named Packagefor_KB5015807. If present, the patch is installed.
Note: This method may not work if the update was removed or corrupted.
Step 4: Use System File Checker (SFC)
Command: Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (Admin) to repair corrupted system files that may block updates.
Follow-up: After repair, recheck Windows Update history or run the PowerShell command again.
Step 5: Manual Patch Download (Last Resort)
Action: If updates are missing, download KB5015807 manually from Microsoft Update Catalog (link).
Install: Run the .msu file and restart your system. Verify installation via Step 1.
If all methods confirm your system is unpatched, prioritize installing KB5015807 immediately. This vulnerability allows attackers to escalate privileges and execute code with SYSTEM-level permissions, making it a top priority for security.
For enterprise environments, consider deploying the patch via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to ensure all devices are protected.
For users encountering update errors (0x80070002, 0x800f0906), the issue may stem from corrupted update components. Reset Windows Update by running net stop wuauserv, deleting C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder contents, and restarting the service with net start wuauserv. Reattempt the update afterward.
Pro Tip: Enable automatic updates to avoid future vulnerabilities. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options and select Automatic (recommended). This ensures critical patches like KB5015807 are installed promptly.
Safe removal of CVE-2022-43552 patch: when and how to proceed
Removing the CVE-2022-43552 patch should only happen if you're experiencing critical compatibility issues with applications or drivers. Microsoft designed this patch to block privilege escalation attacks, so removal exposes your system to serious risks. Always verify alternatives like workarounds or rollback updates first.
Before proceeding, ensure you’ve tested the patch in a safe environment (e.g., a VM) to confirm the issue persists. Document any error codes or symptoms (e.g., BSOD, app crashes) to guide troubleshooting. If removal is unavoidable, follow these steps carefully to minimize security exposure.
⚠️ Critical Security Warning
Removing this patch leaves your system vulnerable to exploits targeting the Common Log File System Driver. Only proceed if you’ve exhausted all alternatives, and reapply the patch ASAP after resolving compatibility issues. Use offline scans (e.g., Windows Defender Offline) post-removal to detect potential threats.
Use Windows Update Troubleshooter first to diagnose the issue. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter. If it fails, proceed to manual removal using DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) or PowerShell.
For DISM-based removal, open Command Prompt as Admin and run:
dism /image:C:\ /remove-package /packagename:PackageforKernel-PatchKBNumber
Replace PatchKBNumber with the exact KB from Windows Update history. Verify the package name via dism /image:C:\ /get-packages.
Alternatively, use PowerShell to uninstall via KB:
Get-HotFix -Id PatchKBNumber | Uninstall-HotFix
This method is faster but may require additional dependencies. Always back up your system before executing commands.
If removal fails, consider System Restore to a pre-patch state (via Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore). For enterprise environments, deploy the patch via Group Policy to targeted machines only, then test thoroughly before full rollout.