Microsoft Windows up to Server 2019 Speech Shell privileges management

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Microsoft Windows up to Server 2019. This affects an unknown part of the component Speech Shell. This manipulation causes privileges management. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2020-1524. The attack can be initiated remotely. There is not any exploit available. It is suggested to install a patch to address this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability has been found in Microsoft Windows up to Server 2019 (Operating System) and classified as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the component Speech Shell. 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. The summary by CVE is:

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Speech Shell Components improperly handle 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 Shell Components handle memory.

The weakness was released 08/11/2020 as confirmed security update guide (Website). The advisory is shared at portal.msrc.microsoft.com. The public release was coordinated with Microsoft. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2020-1524. The attack can be launched remotely. The successful exploitation needs a single authentication. Neither technical details nor an exploit are publicly available. The price for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 02/24/2026). MITRE ATT&CK project uses the attack technique T1068 for this issue. The advisory points out:

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Speech Shell Components improperly handle 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-159605, VDB-159604, VDB-159603 and VDB-159600. Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 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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Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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