CVE-2019-0790 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Microsoft XML Core Services MSXML parser processes user input, aka 'MS XML Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0791, CVE-2019-0792, CVE-2019-0793, CVE-2019-0795.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0790 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft XML Core Services MSXML parser component. This vulnerability specifically affects systems running affected versions of MSXML where the parser processes user input through XML documents or web requests. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems with the privileges of the logged-on user, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where user access rights may be elevated. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the MSXML parsing engine, which fails to properly sanitize or validate XML content before processing. This issue is distinct from other related vulnerabilities in the same CVE series including CVE-2019-0791 through CVE-2019-0795, each representing different attack vectors or exploitation techniques against the same underlying MSXML component. The vulnerability operates under CWE-129, which classifies it as an Improper Validation of Array Index vulnerability, as the MSXML parser does not adequately validate array indices during XML processing operations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based XML content, email attachments, or malicious websites that load XML content through MSXML components. The attack typically involves crafting specially malformed XML documents that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption when processed by the vulnerable MSXML parser. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable lateral movement within networks, as attackers can leverage successful exploitation to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple Microsoft products including Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, making it a widespread concern across enterprise environments. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through seemingly benign XML content that users might encounter in daily operations, such as email attachments or web content. The exploitation technique involves leveraging the MSXML parser to execute malicious code, often through techniques such as payload injection or memory corruption that allows attackers to gain control over the affected system. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, email filtering, and web content filtering to limit exposure to this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute code on target systems through client-side exploitation mechanisms. Microsoft released security patches in their regular monthly updates, but organizations should ensure all affected systems are properly updated and patched to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 highlights the importance of proper input validation and array boundary checking in software development practices, particularly for components that process untrusted input from external sources. Organizations should also implement monitoring and detection capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, as the attack surface includes numerous legitimate XML processing scenarios that could be leveraged by adversaries. The complexity of this vulnerability lies in its ability to be triggered through multiple vectors while maintaining a relatively low detection profile, making it particularly challenging for security teams to identify and mitigate effectively.