CVE-2020-1362 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows WalletService handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows WalletService Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1344, CVE-2020-1369.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2020
The Windows WalletService elevation of privilege vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows malicious actors to escalate their privileges within Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the memory handling mechanisms of the WalletService component, which is responsible for managing digital wallets and sensitive credential storage. The issue stems from improper object handling within the service's memory management system, creating potential attack vectors for privilege escalation.
The technical flaw manifests in how the WalletService processes and manages objects in memory, particularly when dealing with user credentials and wallet data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious inputs or manipulating memory structures to gain elevated privileges beyond their current access level. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The flaw is categorized under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive user data, manipulate wallet credentials, and potentially gain persistence within affected systems. Organizations running vulnerable Windows versions face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized system access, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, making it a widespread concern across enterprise environments. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can bypass standard security controls and escalate their access to critical system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the Microsoft security update released in the July 2020 Patch Tuesday cycle, which addresses the memory handling flaw in the WalletService component. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that user accounts have minimal necessary permissions and that the WalletService runs with restricted privileges. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and represents a classic example of how memory corruption vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain system-level access. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors before they can be leveraged by adversaries.