CVE-2020-0630 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Search Indexer handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows Search Indexer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0613, CVE-2020-0614, CVE-2020-0623, CVE-2020-0625, CVE-2020-0626, CVE-2020-0627, CVE-2020-0628, CVE-2020-0629, CVE-2020-0631, CVE-2020-0632, CVE-2020-0633.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0630 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows Search Indexer component, specifically manifesting in how the system handles objects in memory. This weakness resides in the Windows operating system's search functionality that is designed to index content across various file systems and applications to enable rapid search capabilities. The Windows Search Indexer operates with elevated privileges to access and process files and data, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their system access rights. The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling mechanisms within the indexing process, creating potential attack vectors that could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than initially intended.
This security flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-121, which describes a condition where a program uses a fixed-length buffer for data that might be longer than the buffer can accommodate. The memory handling issue within the Windows Search Indexer creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can potentially overwrite memory regions, leading to privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the search indexing service, which typically runs with system-level privileges. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted files or content that, when indexed by the Windows Search service, triggers the memory corruption and allows for privilege elevation.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0630 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain system-level access that could enable further malicious activities within the compromised environment. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could potentially access sensitive data, modify system files, install malware, or establish persistence mechanisms within the Windows environment. The attack surface is particularly broad since the Windows Search service is enabled by default on most Windows installations and actively indexes content from various sources including network shares, email attachments, and document files. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where search indexing is frequently used and where attackers might target specific user accounts or system components through maliciously crafted search content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0630 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates in the May 2020 Patch Tuesday release that addressed this vulnerability by correcting the memory handling routines within the Windows Search Indexer. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches across their Windows environments, particularly on systems where the search service is actively used. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file access controls, monitoring search indexing activities for unusual patterns, and using application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious content. Network segmentation and privilege separation can also help limit the potential impact if an attacker does successfully exploit this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068, which involves the use of legitimate credentials and system tools to gain system-level privileges, making it particularly relevant for security teams to understand the full attack chain and implement appropriate detection and prevention measures.