CVE-2020-16907 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 10/17/2020
<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and take control of an affected system.</p> <p>The update addresses this vulnerability by correcting how the Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory.</p>
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw in the Windows operating system kernel-mode driver component, specifically related to improper memory object handling. The vulnerability falls under the category of kernel-level exploits that can lead to complete system compromise when successfully exploited. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes 'Stack-based Buffer Overflow' or more broadly 'Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer', and potentially CWE-125, 'Out-of-bounds Read', given the memory handling context. The flaw exists in the Windows kernel-mode driver's memory management routines, where the system fails to properly validate or handle objects in memory, creating a path for malicious code execution at the highest privilege level.
The exploitation process requires initial system access through legitimate user authentication, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1078 for Valid Accounts. Once authenticated, an attacker can execute a specially crafted application that triggers the memory handling flaw, allowing arbitrary code execution in kernel mode. This kernel-level execution enables attackers to perform operations that would normally require administrator privileges, including installing malicious software, modifying or deleting system data, and creating new user accounts with full administrative rights. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because kernel-mode execution bypasses most user-mode security controls and protections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control and persistence capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges beyond the initial access point, and potentially move laterally within network environments. The vulnerability affects Windows systems that utilize kernel-mode drivers, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple systems may be vulnerable. The memory handling flaw specifically targets the Windows kernel's object management system, which is fundamental to operating system functionality.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through a security update that corrects how the Windows kernel-mode driver processes memory objects, implementing proper validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize applying this update immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation, particularly in environments where untrusted users have login access to systems. The fix involves strengthening memory management controls within kernel-mode drivers to prevent improper object handling that could lead to privilege escalation. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including user access controls, monitoring for suspicious process execution, and network segmentation to limit potential exploitation impact. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel security and proper memory management in preventing severe privilege escalation attacks.