After all these years, why is it still possible for a virus or ransomware to effectively gain Windows permissions that enable encryption of all files on a drive or access to low level areas of the OS through the opening of an email attachment?

Ransomware infections exploit Windows permissions by taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the operating system or applications running on it. This can be done through various methods like social engineering tactics in email attachments that users are tricked into opening, which allow the ransomware to execute and gain necessary permissions to encrypt files system-wide. Additionally, ransomware may exploit unpatched or outdated software, weaknesses in security protocols, or through brute force attacks to escalate privileges and gain control over the system.