CVE-2020-0746 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Graphics Components handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft Graphics Components Information Disclosure Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0746 represents a critical information disclosure weakness within Microsoft Graphics Components that affects multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects within the graphics rendering pipeline, specifically within the Windows Graphics Component subsystem. The flaw allows attackers to potentially access sensitive memory contents that should remain protected, creating a significant security risk for systems running affected Microsoft software. According to CWE-200, this vulnerability falls under the category of information exposure, where insufficient protection mechanisms allow unauthorized access to sensitive data that could include system memory contents, user data, or other confidential information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of graphics processing components that handle memory objects during rendering operations. When Microsoft Graphics Components process certain graphics objects, they fail to properly validate memory boundaries or implement adequate access controls, leading to potential information leakage. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious graphics content or manipulating existing graphics processing workflows to trigger memory access violations that expose sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because graphics components are frequently used in applications and web browsers, providing multiple attack vectors for exploitation. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the information disclosure could potentially lead to further system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0746 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence about system configurations, memory layouts, and potentially sensitive data structures. Systems running affected software versions become vulnerable to reconnaissance activities where adversaries can map memory structures and identify potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects both client and server environments, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise networks where graphics processing is common across multiple applications and services. Organizations utilizing Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, or any application that relies on Windows Graphics Components are at risk, as these components are integral to rendering web content and multimedia applications. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its potential to serve as a precursor to more serious exploits, as the leaked information could reveal system vulnerabilities or aid in bypassing security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0746 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vendor has released specific patches addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running graphics-intensive applications, while also monitoring for suspicious graphics processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of Microsoft Graphics Components and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user permissions for graphics processing applications can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly isolated components like graphics libraries can have widespread implications for overall system security. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.