Microsoft Windows up to Server 2019 Win32k privileges management

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Microsoft Windows. This affects an unknown part of the component Win32k. Performing a manipulation results in privileges management. This vulnerability is identified as CVE-2020-1054. The attack can be initiated remotely. Additionally, an exploit exists. To fix this issue, it is recommended to deploy a patch.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in Microsoft Windows (Operating System). This affects some unknown processing of the component Win32k. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a privileges management vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-269. The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1143.

The weakness was released 05/12/2020 as confirmed security update guide (Website). It is possible to read the advisory at portal.msrc.microsoft.com. The public release was coordinated with Microsoft. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2020-1054. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. Required for exploitation is a authentication. Technical details are unknown but an exploit is available. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 02/08/2025). The attack technique deployed by this issue is T1068 according to MITRE ATT&CK. The advisory points out:

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.

It is declared as attacked. The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog lists this issue since 11/03/2021 with a due date of 05/03/2022:

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

Entries connected to this vulnerability are available at VDB-155092, VDB-155090, VDB-155089 and VDB-155087. Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 7 SP1
• 8.1
• 10
• 10 1607
• 10 1709
• 10 1803
• 10 1809
• 10 1903
• 10 1909
• RT 8.1
• Server 1803
• Server 1903
• Server 1909
• Server 2008 R2 SP1
• Server 2008 SP2
• Server 2012
• Server 2012 R2
• Server 2016
• Server 2019

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/
• Product: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows

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Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

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