CVE-2020-1174 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Jet Database Engine improperly handles objects in memory, aka 'Jet Database Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1051, CVE-2020-1175, CVE-2020-1176.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2020
The CVE-2020-1174 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows Jet Database Engine component that forms part of Microsoft's database infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the engine fails to properly handle objects in memory, creating a dangerous condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Jet Database Engine serves as the foundation for various Microsoft applications including Access, Outlook, and numerous third-party applications that rely on the engine for data storage and retrieval operations. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these platforms. According to CWE-125, this vulnerability falls under the category of out-of-bounds read conditions where the engine processes memory objects without proper validation, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially gain full system control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted database files that trigger improper memory handling within the Jet engine. Attackers can construct malicious .mdb or .accdb files that, when opened by vulnerable applications, cause the engine to access memory locations beyond allocated boundaries. This memory corruption allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process, typically running with high privileges in the context of the user who opened the malicious file. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems without requiring local access to the target system. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious files to gain initial access and execute code remotely. The exploitation process typically involves crafting database files that contain malformed structures or objects that cause the engine to misinterpret memory contents during processing, leading to stack or heap corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-1174 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as it provides attackers with persistent access to corporate networks and sensitive data repositories. Organizations using Microsoft Access databases, Outlook email clients, or applications that utilize the Jet engine for data storage become prime targets for exploitation. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where database files are frequently shared across departments or accessed through web-based applications. Security professionals must consider the potential for lateral movement once initial compromise occurs, as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges gained through this vulnerability to access additional systems or escalate their privileges further. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-125 emphasizes the memory safety issues that arise when applications fail to properly validate memory access patterns, creating a fundamental weakness in the application's security model that can be systematically exploited. Organizations may face significant compliance and regulatory implications if this vulnerability leads to data breaches, particularly in industries governed by standards such as HIPAA, SOX, or GDPR where database security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-1174 should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate patch deployment, network segmentation, and application hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates in the May 2020 patch Tuesday that addressed this vulnerability by correcting the memory handling procedures within the Jet Database Engine. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all systems receive the relevant updates promptly, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in unpatched environments. Network-based mitigations include implementing file type restrictions, disabling automatic opening of database files, and deploying application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of untrusted database files. Security monitoring should focus on unusual database file access patterns, unexpected memory usage spikes, and suspicious network activity related to database operations. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing defensive measures such as process monitoring, file integrity checking, and behavioral analysis to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments targeting database applications and implement secure coding practices for applications that interact with database engines to reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in custom software solutions.