CVE-2020-1408 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts, aka 'Microsoft Graphics Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1408 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems that stems from improper handling of specially crafted embedded fonts within the Windows font library. This vulnerability specifically affects the graphics rendering subsystem and exploits a flaw in how Windows processes font files, particularly those containing embedded fonts that are designed to trigger memory corruption during processing. The issue arises when the system attempts to render fonts that contain maliciously constructed data structures within their embedded font resources, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and demonstrates characteristics consistent with memory corruption vulnerabilities that enable attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user. The flaw exists in the Windows font processing engine, specifically within the handling of embedded font data structures that are commonly found in font files used for rendering text in various applications and system components. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious font files that, when processed by the Windows font library, trigger buffer overflow conditions leading to memory corruption and potential code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and file sharing scenarios where users might encounter embedded fonts in documents, images, or other file types.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-1408 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation and system compromise. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the same privileges as the user account running the vulnerable application or service. The attack surface is broad as it affects all versions of Windows that support the affected font processing functionality, including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails containing malicious documents with embedded fonts, compromised websites serving malicious font files, or through file sharing scenarios where attackers can place malicious font files in shared locations. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.
Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability through security updates that correct the font processing logic within the Windows font library to properly validate and sanitize embedded font data before processing. Organizations should prioritize applying these security patches to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability, as it has been actively exploited in the wild. The recommended mitigation strategy includes not only applying the official security updates but also implementing network-based protections such as email filtering and web content filtering to prevent users from encountering malicious font files. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted font files and monitor for suspicious font-related activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in graphics rendering libraries, as highlighted by industry security standards that emphasize the need for robust buffer overflow protection mechanisms in system components that process user-supplied data.