CVE-2020-1582 in Access
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Access software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights. Exploitation of the vulnerability requires that a user open a specially crafted file with an affected version of Microsoft Access. In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending the specially crafted file to the user and convincing the user to open the file. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Access handles objects in memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Microsoft Access software that stems from improper memory object handling during application processing. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that are commonly classified as CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where an application accesses memory beyond its intended boundaries. The flaw exists in how Microsoft Access manages objects within memory during file processing operations, creating opportunities for malicious code injection through specially crafted files that exploit the memory handling mechanisms.
The attack vector requires user interaction through opening a malicious file, making this a typical user-initiated exploitation scenario that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for "User Execution: Malicious File." The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the currently logged-on user, potentially escalating to full system control when administrative rights are present. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be leveraged for system compromise through the standard user interaction model that Microsoft Access employs when processing documents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to full system compromise capabilities. When exploited successfully, attackers can install programs, modify or delete data, and create new accounts with complete user rights, effectively providing complete control over the affected system. This aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0003 for Persistence and TA0004 for Privilege Escalation, as the vulnerability enables attackers to establish long-term access and elevate their privileges within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects any version of Microsoft Access that fails to properly validate memory objects during processing, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Access is widely deployed.
Microsoft's security update addresses this vulnerability by implementing proper memory object handling procedures within Microsoft Access. The fix ensures that the application correctly validates and manages memory objects during file processing, preventing the exploitation conditions that would otherwise allow arbitrary code execution. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this update across all affected systems, particularly those where Access is used to process untrusted documents. The vulnerability's remediation requires careful application of memory management principles that prevent out-of-bounds access conditions, which is consistent with secure coding practices outlined in industry standards for preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities. Given the remote code execution potential and the need for user interaction, this vulnerability represents a high-risk threat that requires immediate attention from security teams.