Microsoft Windows up to Server 2004 StartTileData.dll privileges management

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability identified as critical has been detected in Microsoft Windows up to Server 2004. This vulnerability affects unknown code in the library StartTileData.dll. Performing a manipulation results in privileges management. This vulnerability is identified as CVE-2020-1159. The attack can be initiated remotely. There is not any exploit available. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Microsoft Windows up to Server 2004 (Operating System). This affects some unknown functionality in the library StartTileData.dll. 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:

<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the StartTileData.dll handles file creation in protected locations. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute code with elevated permissions.</p> <p>To exploit the vulnerability, a locally authenticated attacker could run a specially crafted application.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by ensuring the StartTileData.dll properly handles this type of function.</p>

The weakness was released 09/08/2020 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-2020-1159. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. A authentication is required for exploitation. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 02/24/2026). 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 the way that the StartTileData.dll handles file creation in protected locations. 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.

Entries connected to this vulnerability are available at VDB-160912, VDB-160910, VDB-160909 and VDB-160908. Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 10 1903
• 10 1909
• 10 2004
• Server 1903
• Server 1909
• Server 2004

License

• commercial

Website

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

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