CVE-2020-0735 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-2020-0666, CVE-2020-0667, CVE-2020-0752.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-0735 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows Search Indexer component, specifically manifesting in how the system handles memory objects during indexing operations. This vulnerability allows attackers to escalate their privileges from a standard user account to SYSTEM level access, effectively bypassing Windows security controls. The Windows Search Indexer service operates with elevated privileges to access and index various file types across the system, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw stems from improper memory handling mechanisms within the indexer's object processing routines, creating opportunities for malicious code execution with administrative privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption issues that occur when the Windows Search Indexer processes specially crafted objects or files. Attackers can exploit this by creating malicious files or manipulating existing system objects in ways that trigger memory corruption within the indexer process. This memory handling flaw typically manifests through buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management errors that allow attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability specifically affects the indexer's ability to properly validate and handle object references in memory, potentially leading to code execution in the context of the SYSTEM account.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Windows Search Indexer is actively running and processing user files. The attack surface is extensive as the indexer continuously monitors and indexes files across various locations including user directories, network shares, and system folders. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at a system level where the indexer has broad access to file system resources and can potentially access protected registry keys and system processes. Organizations running affected Windows versions are at risk of unauthorized privilege escalation attacks that could lead to full domain compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0735 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches as released in the May 2020 Windows updates. System administrators should disable unnecessary search indexing services when possible, particularly in environments where the risk of exploitation is high. The implementation of least privilege principles and regular security monitoring can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential lateral movement if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should monitor for anomalous indexing behavior or unexpected SYSTEM-level process activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 for stack-based buffer overflow conditions and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security layers.