CVE-2020-1565 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the "Public Account Pictures" folder improperly handles junctions. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application to elevate privileges. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows handles junctions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-1565 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows operating system that specifically targets the handling of junction points in the "Public Account Pictures" folder. This issue falls under the category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities where an attacker can leverage improper file system handling to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability stems from the Windows file system's inadequate processing of symbolic links or junction points within the public account pictures directory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their access rights from standard user level to administrator level.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first establish a foothold on the target system through initial compromise methods such as phishing attacks, drive-by downloads, or other exploitation techniques that result in code execution. Once execution is achieved, the attacker can craft a malicious application that specifically targets the junction handling mechanism within the Public Account Pictures folder. This malicious application would create or manipulate junction points in a manner that exploits the flawed Windows file system processing, ultimately allowing the attacker to bypass standard access controls and elevate their privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper handling of symbolic links in Windows file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain full administrative control over affected systems. This elevated access level enables malicious actors to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability affects Windows systems where the Public Account Pictures folder is accessible and where junction points are processed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple user accounts and shared resources exist. Security researchers have identified this as a significant risk because it can be exploited through legitimate system components, making detection and prevention more challenging for security teams.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through a security update that corrects the manner in which Windows handles junction points within the affected directory structure. The fix implements proper validation and processing of junction points to prevent malicious manipulation of the file system hierarchy. Organizations should prioritize applying this security update immediately, as the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. The remediation approach aligns with defensive coding practices that emphasize proper input validation and secure file system handling, which are fundamental principles of the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. This vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and demonstrates how improper system handling of file system objects can create exploitable conditions for attackers. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to unusual junction point creation or modification in public directories, as these activities may signal exploitation attempts.