Microsoft Windows up to Server 2019 Speech Runtime privileges management

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability described as critical has been identified in Microsoft Windows. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the component Speech Runtime. Executing a manipulation can lead to privileges management. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2020-1521. The attack can be executed remotely. There is not any exploit available. It is advisable to implement a patch to correct this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability has been found in Microsoft Windows (Operating System) and classified as critical. This vulnerability affects an unknown code block of the component Speech Runtime. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a privileges management vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is 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. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Speech Runtime improperly handles memory. 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 the Windows Speech Runtime handles memory.

The weakness was released 08/11/2020 as confirmed security update guide (Website). The advisory is shared for download at portal.msrc.microsoft.com. The public release was coordinated with the vendor. This vulnerability was named CVE-2020-1521. The attack can be initiated remotely. The requirement for exploitation is a single authentication. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $5k-$25k (estimation calculated on 02/24/2026). The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1068. The advisory points out:

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Speech Runtime improperly handles memory.

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-159560, VDB-159559, VDB-159558 and VDB-159557. Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 10 1607
• 10 1709
• 10 1803
• 10 1809
• 10 1903
• 10 1909
• 10 2004
• Server 1903
• Server 1909
• Server 2004
• Server 2016
• Server 2019

License

• commercial

Website

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

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Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

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