CVE-2020-0686 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Installer when MSI packages process symbolic links, aka 'Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Understanding CVE-2020-0686

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in Windows Installer affecting various Windows versions and systems.

What is CVE-2020-0686?

The vulnerability in Windows Installer arises from the processing of symbolic links, potentially leading to an elevation of privilege.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0686

This vulnerability allows attackers to elevate their privileges on the affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0686

This section covers specific technical details of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows Installer is the result of improper handling of symbolic link processing.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following products and versions are affected by CVE-2020-0686:

Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and later versions
Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2019

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating symbolic links within MSI packages to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant security patches from Microsoft.
Follow best practices for secure installation and configuration of software.
Monitor and restrict access to critical system resources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit potential attack surfaces.
Conduct ongoing security training for users and IT staff.
Utilize security tools for monitoring and detecting privilege escalation attempts.

Patching and Updates

Keep systems up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates provided by Microsoft.