CVE-2020-0845 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Network Connections Service handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows Network Connections Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0778, CVE-2020-0802, CVE-2020-0803, CVE-2020-0804.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0845 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows Network Connections Service component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically manifests in how the service processes objects stored in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. The flaw exists within the Windows Network Connections Service which is responsible for managing network connection states and configurations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain deeper system control. The vulnerability was particularly concerning because it could be exploited without requiring any user interaction, allowing for automated exploitation scenarios that significantly increase the attack surface and potential impact.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects within the Windows Network Connections Service. When the service processes certain network connection states or configuration changes, it fails to properly validate or sanitize memory references, leading to potential memory corruption conditions. This memory handling flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the service's memory operations in a way that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically affects Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2019, with the flaw being rooted in the service's interaction with network connection objects that are processed in memory. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of 'Stack-based Buffer Overflow' and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The memory corruption occurs during the processing of network connection state changes, where the service does not properly validate the integrity of objects being manipulated, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code or manipulate existing objects to achieve unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0845 is severe and far-reaching across enterprise environments. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain SYSTEM-level privileges which provides complete control over the affected system, including access to all files, registry settings, and network resources. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited remotely without user interaction makes it particularly dangerous in networked environments where multiple systems may be exposed. Organizations running affected Windows versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including network-based exploitation, making it a high-priority target for both automated malware campaigns and sophisticated targeted attacks. Security professionals noted that this vulnerability could be particularly problematic in environments where network connectivity is prevalent and where standard security controls might not prevent exploitation due to the service's privileged nature.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0845 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory handling issues within the Windows Network Connections Service, requiring organizations to apply the relevant patches as soon as possible. System administrators should prioritize patch management processes and ensure that all affected Windows systems receive the necessary updates. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the exposure of systems to potential exploitation, while monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual network connection activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that organizations should also implement additional security controls around service execution and memory protection mechanisms. Given the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on privilege escalation techniques, organizations should review their access control policies and implement principle of least privilege configurations to minimize the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar memory handling issues that might exist within other Windows services or third-party applications.