CVE-2020-1246 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0986, CVE-2020-1237, CVE-2020-1262, CVE-2020-1264, CVE-2020-1266, CVE-2020-1269, CVE-2020-1273, CVE-2020-1274, CVE-2020-1275, CVE-2020-1276, CVE-2020-1307, CVE-2020-1316.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2020
This elevation of privilege vulnerability resides within the Windows kernel component, specifically manifesting when the kernel fails to properly manage memory objects during routine operations. The flaw represents a critical security gap that allows malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability impacts multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments. According to CWE-264, this vulnerability stems from improper handling of system resources, specifically memory management operations that should maintain strict access controls and object integrity. The kernel's failure to validate memory object states during processing creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks that bypass standard security mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted memory operations that manipulate kernel objects in ways that should be prohibited. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively gaining complete control over affected systems. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework aligns with privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the kernel as a critical attack surface. Memory corruption issues in kernel space typically involve improper validation of object pointers, insufficient access control checks, or failure to properly enforce memory boundaries. The vulnerability's unique identification distinguishes it from similar issues in the same vulnerability family, indicating a specific flaw in how Windows kernel handles certain memory management scenarios that differ from the other listed CVEs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromise to threaten entire network infrastructures. Once an attacker achieves kernel-level privileges, they can bypass all standard security controls, access encrypted data, modify system files, and establish persistent backdoors. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where a single compromised endpoint can lead to widespread data breaches. Organizations running affected Windows versions face significant risk of lateral movement attacks, as the compromised system can serve as a launching point for accessing other network resources. The vulnerability's exploitation often requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vendor has released specific fixes addressing this kernel memory handling issue. Network segmentation and privilege minimization practices can reduce the potential impact of exploitation, while enhanced monitoring of kernel-level activities can help detect anomalous behavior. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that user accounts operate with minimal necessary permissions. Additional protective measures include enabling Windows Defender Application Control, configuring secure boot options, and maintaining up-to-date intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious kernel-level operations. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through zero-day attacks, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures and rapid response protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing advanced threat hunting techniques that specifically target kernel-level privilege escalation indicators.