CVE-2020-1074 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Jet Database Engine improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code on a victim system.</p> <p>An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by enticing a victim to open a specially crafted file.</p> <p>The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way the Windows Jet Database Engine handles objects in memory.</p>
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1074 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows Jet Database Engine, a component that has been integral to Microsoft Windows operating systems since Windows 95. This database engine serves as the foundation for various Microsoft applications including Access, Outlook, and numerous third-party software solutions that rely on the .mdb file format. The flaw stems from improper handling of objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems. According to CWE-125, this vulnerability aligns with improper input validation and memory handling issues that can lead to buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. The attack vector requires social engineering elements where an attacker must convince a victim to open a specifically crafted malicious file, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter such payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through memory manipulation techniques that leverage the Windows Jet Database Engine's parsing mechanisms. When the engine processes malformed database objects, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations or inject malicious code into the execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on compromised systems. The memory corruption aspect of this flaw means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, establish persistence mechanisms, or access sensitive data stored within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual user systems as many applications depend on the Jet Database Engine, creating a potential cascade effect across multiple applications and services.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-1074 is significant for organizations relying on Windows-based infrastructure, particularly those with legacy systems or applications that continue to use the older .mdb database format. Organizations with insufficient patch management processes face heightened risk, as this vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or removable media. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it a prime candidate for large-scale automated attacks. Security professionals must consider the broader implications for endpoint protection strategies, as traditional antivirus solutions may not detect all variants of this attack. The vulnerability's exploitation often requires minimal user interaction, typically limited to opening a malicious file, which makes it particularly effective for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks. Organizations should also recognize that many third-party applications may be vulnerable even if the core Windows components are patched, as these applications might not have been updated to address the underlying database engine issue.
Microsoft's official patch addresses the vulnerability by correcting the memory handling procedures within the Windows Jet Database Engine, specifically focusing on how the engine processes database objects during parsing operations. This remediation involves implementing additional input validation checks and memory boundary verification mechanisms that prevent the corruption scenarios leading to arbitrary code execution. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected systems, particularly those running older Windows versions or applications that heavily rely on the Jet Database Engine. The patch deployment process should include thorough testing in controlled environments to ensure compatibility with existing applications that depend on database functionality. Additionally, network segmentation strategies and email filtering solutions should be enhanced to reduce the likelihood of users encountering malicious files that could exploit this vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious database file access patterns and unusual memory allocation behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks, organizations should also implement comprehensive incident response procedures to quickly identify and contain any potential exploitation attempts.