Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 Wininit.dll privileges management

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11. This affects an unknown part in the library Wininit.dll. Executing a manipulation can lead to privileges management. This vulnerability appears as CVE-2020-1012. The attack may be performed from remote. There is no available exploit. Applying a patch is advised to resolve this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability has been found in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 (Web Browser) and classified as critical. This vulnerability affects an unknown function in the library Wininit.dll. 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:

<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Wininit.dll handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute code with elevated permissions.</p> <p>There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability:</p> <ul> <li><p>In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this vulnerability and then convince a user to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email.</p> </li> <li><p>In a file sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file that is designed to exploit this vulnerability, and then convince a user to open the document file.</p> </li> </ul> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by ensuring the Wininit.dll properly handles objects in memory.</p>

The weakness was presented 09/08/2020 as confirmed security update guide (Website). The advisory is shared for download at portal.msrc.microsoft.com. The public release was coordinated in cooperation with the vendor. This vulnerability was named CVE-2020-1012. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. Successful exploitation requires user interaction by the victim. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $5k-$25k (estimation calculated on 02/24/2026). It is expected to see the exploit prices for this product decreasing in the near future.The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1068. The advisory points out:

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Wininit.dll handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute code with elevated permissions.

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

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

Type

• Web Browser

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Internet Explorer

Version

• 11

License

• commercial

Support

• end of life

Website

• Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/

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