CVE-2020-0879 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) handles objects in memory, allowing an attacker to retrieve information from a targeted system, aka 'Windows GDI Information Disclosure Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0774, CVE-2020-0874, CVE-2020-0880, CVE-2020-0882.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2024
The Windows Graphics Device Interface GDI information disclosure vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft's graphics subsystem that enables unauthorized data retrieval from affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets how GDI manages graphical objects in memory, creating an opportunity for attackers to extract sensitive information through carefully crafted malicious inputs. The flaw exists within the core Windows graphics processing components that handle graphical rendering operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including document processing, web browsing, and application rendering scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects within the GDI subsystem where insufficient validation occurs during object processing. When GDI receives malformed or specially constructed graphical objects, the memory management routines fail to properly sanitize the data structures, potentially exposing kernel memory contents or internal system information. This weakness allows attackers to perform out-of-bounds memory reads through controlled manipulation of GDI object parameters, effectively bypassing normal memory protection mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to unintended information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0879 extends beyond simple information leakage, as the disclosed data could potentially contain sensitive system information that aids in further exploitation attempts. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gather kernel memory addresses, system configuration details, or other sensitive data that could be used to refine subsequent attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, creating widespread exposure across enterprise environments. This information disclosure can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or remote code execution, making it particularly attractive to threat actors.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft's security patches and updates released in the April 2020 security bulletin. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring for unusual graphical processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script interpreter usage, as attackers may use information gathered through this vulnerability to craft more targeted payloads. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies for graphics-related applications and restricting user permissions for graphics processing can significantly reduce the attack surface. System administrators should monitor for potential exploitation indicators such as unexpected memory access patterns or unusual graphical rendering behaviors that might suggest malicious use of the GDI subsystem.