CVE-2019-0574 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Data Sharing Service improperly handles file operations, aka "Windows Data Sharing Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0571, CVE-2019-0572, CVE-2019-0573.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0574 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows Data Sharing Service component that operates across multiple Windows operating systems including Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, and Windows 10 Servers. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of file operations within the data sharing service, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative access. The flaw specifically impacts the Windows Data Sharing Service which facilitates file and data sharing functionalities within the Windows ecosystem, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized administrative control over affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate validation and handling of file operations within the Windows Data Sharing Service implementation. When the service processes certain file operations, it fails to properly validate input parameters or enforce appropriate access controls, allowing attackers to manipulate file handling routines and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and more specifically relates to improper handling of file operations that should be restricted to authorized users only. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources that should be protected from standard user accounts.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0574 is severe as it allows attackers to achieve complete system compromise through privilege escalation. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can gain administrative privileges on the affected systems, enabling them to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where Windows Data Sharing Service is actively used for file sharing and collaboration, making it particularly dangerous in corporate networks where attackers could leverage this flaw to gain access to critical business data and infrastructure. The widespread nature of affected systems means that organizations running these Windows versions are all potentially at risk.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches released by Microsoft to address the vulnerability in the Windows Data Sharing Service. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting access to the Data Sharing Service, monitoring for unusual file operations, and ensuring that only authorized users have access to systems where this service is enabled. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and represents a classic example of how service misconfigurations can create attack vectors for privilege escalation. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running the affected service and ensure proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access to the data sharing functionality.