External risk intelligence

Microsoft Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-0986

A vulnerability in the Windows kernel allows for privilege escalation when objects are improperly handled in memory. This could enable an attacker with local access to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially impacting system control and data.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-0986

This is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows kernel. It requires the attacker to already have local access to the system to execute code. It is not reachable via the public internet or remote network vectors.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows kernel when it improperly handles objects in memory. This flaw is related to the splWOW64 component, which manages 32-bit print operations on 64-bit systems. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Vulnerable Windows kernel memory handling.
Flaw in splWOW64 component.
Potential for privilege escalation.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A vulnerability in the Windows kernel could allow an attacker to elevate privileges. This occurs when the system improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker could leverage this to gain elevated access on a targeted system.

Local access required for attacker.
Improper object handling is triggered.
Attacker gains elevated control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in the Windows kernel could allow an attacker with local access to gain elevated privileges, potentially executing code in kernel mode. The ability to escalate privileges could lead to unauthorized access and control over affected systems. Organizations should consider the potential impact on their data and systems.

Attacker requires local access.
Exploitation difficulty is low.
Potential for significant business risk.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows for an elevation of privilege within the Windows kernel due to improper object handling in memory. Organizations should prioritize identifying all systems that may be affected by this issue to understand their exposure. Implementing vendor-provided security updates is crucial to remediate the vulnerability. Continuous monitoring of systems will help detect any related malicious activity.

Identify all affected systems.
Reduce exposure by isolating systems.
Apply vendor fixes and verify.
Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nature of the Windows kernel vulnerability described in CVE-2020-0986?

CVE-2020-0986 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability within the Windows kernel. It arises from the kernel's improper handling of objects in memory. This specific flaw is associated with the splWOW64 component, which is responsible for managing 32-bit print operations on 64-bit Windows systems. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the affected system.

What is the weakness class for CVE-2020-0986 and how does it affect system security?

The weakness class for CVE-2020-0986 is CWE-787, which signifies a 'Out-of-bounds Write'. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program writes data beyond the allocated buffer's boundaries. In the context of the Windows kernel, this can corrupt memory, leading to unpredictable behavior and potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical data or code. This ultimately results in an elevation of privilege, granting the attacker more control than they should have.

What is the trigger path and scope negation for this Windows kernel vulnerability?

The vulnerability is triggered when the Windows kernel improperly handles objects in memory, specifically within the splWOW64 component during 32-bit print operations on 64-bit systems. The scope of the vulnerability is generally local, meaning an attacker must have existing access to the system to exploit it. It does not appear to allow for remote code execution or impact systems beyond the one being directly targeted, thus negating a broader network scope.

How does the Halo Surface Signal assessment classify the relevance of CVE-2020-0986?

Halo classifies CVE-2020-0986 as 'internal' due to its Local Attack Vector (AV:L). The Halo Surface Signal assessment rates its relevance as 'Very unlikely' to be exploited externally, stating that it requires the attacker to already have local access to the system. It is not reachable via public internet or remote network vectors.

What are the practical steps for addressing CVE-2020-0986 on affected Windows systems?

To address CVE-2020-0986, organizations should first identify all potentially affected Windows systems. The primary remediation involves applying security updates provided by Microsoft, as this vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with local access to gain elevated privileges. Continuous monitoring of systems is also recommended to detect any suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.