CVE-2020-0747 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Data Sharing Service improperly handles file operations, aka 'Windows Data Sharing Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0659.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2024
The Windows Data Sharing Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that allows attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. This vulnerability specifically affects the Windows Data Sharing Service component which facilitates file sharing operations between local and remote systems. The issue stems from improper handling of file operations within the service, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where system-level privileges are managed, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized administrative access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and handling of file operations within the Windows Data Sharing Service. When the service processes file sharing requests, it fails to adequately validate input parameters and file paths, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the system's file handling mechanisms. This flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the standard security boundaries that normally protect system resources. The vulnerability manifests when legitimate file sharing operations are manipulated through crafted inputs that exploit the service's insufficient access control checks and privilege validation mechanisms. The flaw exists in the service's file operation handling logic where it does not properly enforce security contexts or validate the integrity of file operations before executing them with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full administrative control over affected systems, enabling them to install malicious software, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments. Organizations running affected systems face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur remotely or locally, depending on the attack vector, but typically requires initial access to the target system through other means such as phishing attacks or unpatched software vulnerabilities.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates poor implementation of security controls that should normally prevent privilege escalation attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage service vulnerabilities to gain higher-level system access. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, network segmentation to limit access to affected services, and monitoring for suspicious file sharing activities. System administrators should also implement least privilege principles, disable unnecessary file sharing services, and conduct regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust security monitoring to detect and respond to privilege escalation attempts in enterprise environments.