CVE-2019-1280 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Windows that could allow remote code execution if a .LNK file is processed.An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user, aka 'LNK Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2020
The CVE-2019-1280 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that specifically targets the processing of .LNK files. This vulnerability falls under the category of file format processing exploits and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous file types can serve as attack vectors for sophisticated cyber operations. The vulnerability exists in the Windows Shell component responsible for handling shortcut files, making it particularly dangerous as .LNK files are commonly encountered in everyday computing environments. The flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, effectively creating a persistent backdoor for further exploitation activities. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through social engineering attacks where users unknowingly interact with maliciously crafted shortcut files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Windows Shell's handling of .LNK file metadata, particularly in how the system processes the target path and icon location attributes. When a user's system processes a malicious .LNK file, the Windows Shell fails to properly sanitize the file's embedded paths, allowing an attacker to inject malicious code that executes during the file processing phase. This flaw operates at the operating system level and affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and various server editions. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow or improper input validation issue that can be exploited through crafted file attributes within the .LNK file structure. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of the length of input, and CWE-78, which covers improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1280 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy additional malware, or escalate privileges to system administrator levels depending on the target user's permissions. The attack typically requires user interaction through the exploitation of the Windows Shell's automatic processing of .LNK files when they appear in the user interface, such as in file explorer windows or desktop shortcuts. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious files through email attachments, removable media, or network shares. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068, which involves exploit for privilege escalation, making it a valuable asset for attackers seeking to maintain long-term access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1280 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying input validation flaws in the Windows Shell component. Organizations should implement strict file execution policies that prevent automatic processing of .LNK files from untrusted sources and configure user permissions to limit the execution of potentially malicious code. Network-level controls such as firewall rules and email filtering can help prevent the delivery of malicious .LNK files through common attack vectors. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize the dangers of interacting with unknown or unexpected file types, particularly when these files originate from external sources. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual .LNK file processing activities and potential code execution attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining updated antivirus signatures and endpoint detection systems that can identify malicious .LNK files based on behavioral patterns or known malicious indicators. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can execute code on the system, thereby limiting the impact of successful exploitation attempts.