CVE-2020-0822 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Language Pack Installer improperly handles file operations, aka 'Windows Language Pack Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0822 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows Language Pack Installer component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of file operations during the installation process of language packs, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The issue affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, making it a widespread concern across enterprise and consumer environments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation and handling of file operations within the language pack installation framework. Specifically, the Windows Language Pack Installer fails to properly validate file paths and permissions during the installation process, allowing attackers to manipulate the installation flow through carefully crafted file operations. This weakness enables an attacker with low-privilege access to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing standard Windows security controls. The vulnerability operates under CWE-276 which specifically addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the installer attempts to copy or modify system files without adequate verification of the source or target locations, creating opportunities for path traversal attacks or file replacement techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0822 is significant, as it provides a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can be exploited in various attack scenarios. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, modify system files, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where it could enable attackers to gain system-level control over critical infrastructure. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering techniques or by compromising systems that allow execution of language pack installation packages. The attack surface extends to any user who can initiate language pack installation processes, potentially including unprivileged users or those with limited system access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under T1068, specifically targeting the installation of malicious components through legitimate system tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0822 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access controls and limit user permissions to prevent unauthorized language pack installations. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious installation activities or attempts to manipulate system files. Security administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of language pack installers unless explicitly authorized. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices in system components, particularly those with elevated privileges or system-level access. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other system components, as the underlying principles of improper file operation handling can affect multiple areas of system security. System administrators should also monitor for any attempts to exploit this vulnerability through automated scanning tools or intrusion detection systems that can identify unauthorized installation activities or privilege escalation attempts.