CVE-2020-0761 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 described in CVE-2020-0761 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) systems, classified under CWE-457 as "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and potentially related to CWE-787 "Out-of-bounds Write" depending on implementation details. This vulnerability specifically targets the memory handling mechanisms within ADIDNS, which serves as a crucial component in Microsoft's Active Directory infrastructure, responsible for DNS services that are deeply integrated with directory services. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to exploit memory management issues in the DNS server implementation, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker to send specifically crafted malicious requests to an ADIDNS server, leveraging the improper handling of objects in memory to achieve remote code execution. This attack vector operates at the network level, targeting the DNS service layer that is fundamental to Active Directory operations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because successful exploitation grants attackers execution privileges equivalent to the Local System Account, which represents the highest level of system access within Windows environments. This elevated privilege level allows attackers to bypass typical security controls and potentially escalate their access to compromise entire domain environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0761 extends beyond individual system compromise, as Active Directory integrated DNS servers serve as foundational infrastructure components that support thousands of domain-joined devices and services. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to establish persistent access to entire network domains, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement, and complete domain compromise. The attack requires only authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers who have gained access to any valid domain user account, whether through credential theft, phishing, or other initial compromise techniques. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.002 "Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts" and T1059.001 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" in its exploitation methods.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to DNS servers, and monitoring for anomalous DNS query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remediation focuses on correcting memory handling within ADIDNS, which aligns with security best practices for preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls specific to DNS service behavior, as the exploitation may manifest as unusual memory allocation patterns or unexpected object handling within the DNS service processes. The broader implications suggest that organizations should review their Active Directory security posture and ensure proper access controls are in place to limit potential exploitation vectors while maintaining operational continuity of critical DNS services that depend on ADIDNS functionality.