CVE-2020-0718 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) mishandles objects in memory. An authenticated attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the Local System Account</p> <p>To exploit the vulnerability, an authenticated attacker could send malicious requests to an Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) server.</p> <p>The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) handles objects in memory.</p>
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0718 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) systems. This vulnerability stems from improper memory handling mechanisms within the DNS service that integrates with Active Directory infrastructure. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to manipulate DNS objects in memory, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The security implications are particularly severe because successful exploitation enables attackers to execute code with the highest privileges available on the system, specifically the Local System Account which possesses unrestricted access to all system resources and services.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on authenticated attackers sending specifically crafted malicious requests to ADIDNS servers. This attack vector demonstrates a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where the initial authentication requirement does not prevent the exploitation of memory handling flaws. The vulnerability exists in the way ADIDNS processes and manages DNS objects stored in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate these objects and subsequently execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, though the specific implementation involves memory management rather than traditional buffer overflows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected DNS servers and potentially the broader Active Directory infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges further within the domain, and potentially move laterally across the network. The Local System Account access level provides attackers with unrestricted capabilities to modify DNS records, create new DNS zones, or even compromise other domain-joined systems. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.002, which covers legitimate credentials, and T1059.001, which involves command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could use the compromised system to execute additional malicious commands and scripts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0718 should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates that address the memory handling issues within ADIDNS. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to DNS servers and restrict authentication credentials to only those systems that require DNS functionality. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual DNS query patterns, implementing strict access controls for DNS management interfaces, and conducting regular security assessments of Active Directory environments. Network administrators should also consider implementing DNS sinkhole configurations and monitoring for unauthorized DNS record modifications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining updated DNS infrastructure and implementing proper authentication controls, as the attack requires only authenticated access to potentially exploit the memory handling flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privileged credentials may be compromised through other attack vectors.