CVE-2020-0798 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Installer when the Windows Installer fails to properly sanitize input leading to an insecure library loading behavior.A locally authenticated attacker could run arbitrary code with elevated system privileges, aka 'Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0779, CVE-2020-0814, CVE-2020-0842, CVE-2020-0843.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-0798 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows Installer component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability stems from the Windows Installer's inadequate input sanitization mechanisms, which create conditions where malicious actors can exploit insecure library loading behaviors to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The flaw specifically affects systems where the Windows Installer service processes potentially malicious input without proper validation, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the Windows Installer's failure to properly validate and sanitize input parameters during the installation process. When the installer encounters certain malformed or crafted input sequences, it may inadvertently load malicious dynamic link libraries from untrusted locations within the system. This insecure library loading behavior aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-427, which addresses insecure library loading due to improper handling of library search paths. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the library loading sequence to execute malicious code in the context of the Windows Installer service, which typically runs with elevated privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to Windows environments as it requires only local authentication to exploit successfully. An attacker with limited user credentials can leverage this flaw to gain system-level privileges without requiring additional attack vectors or complex exploitation techniques. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as the attacker can then access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, install malware, or establish persistence mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where local account access might be more prevalent and where the Windows Installer service is frequently utilized for software deployment and maintenance operations.
The security implications of CVE-2020-0798 align with tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to privilege escalation techniques such as 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and 'Dynamic Link Library Injection'. The vulnerability's exploitation pattern follows common attack methodologies where local authentication is sufficient to initiate the exploitation chain, making it particularly dangerous for environments with less stringent access controls. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in relation to the principle of least privilege and the need for comprehensive patch management programs. The vulnerability's relationship to other related CVEs including CVE-2020-0779, CVE-2020-0814, CVE-2020-0842, and CVE-2020-0843 demonstrates a pattern of installer-related security weaknesses that organizations should address through coordinated patching and security hardening measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures that include testing and deployment of security updates across all Windows systems. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting local account privileges, monitoring for unusual installation activities, and employing application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security awareness practices and ensuring that all system components are regularly updated to address known security weaknesses. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify systems that may be vulnerable to this and similar installer-based vulnerabilities, particularly in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled.