CVE-2020-0701 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Client License Service (ClipSVC) handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows Client License Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Understanding CVE-2020-0701

This CVE relates to a specific vulnerability in Microsoft Windows affecting various versions.

What is CVE-2020-0701?

CVE-2020-0701 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Client License Service, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0701

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to potentially take control of affected systems, leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of data.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0701

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw lies in the way the ClipSVC in Windows handles objects in memory, paving the way for privilege escalation attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows 10 Version 1803: Affected for 32-bit, x64-based, and ARM64-based Systems
Windows 10 Version 1809: Affected for all system types
Windows Server 2019: Vulnerable, including Core installation
Windows 10 Version 1903 and 1909: Vulnerable across all architectures
Windows Server, version 1903 & 1909: Vulnerable in Core installation

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by executing arbitrary code and potentially gain elevated privileges on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate and long-term actions can help mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-0701.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates provided by Microsoft promptly.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits on systems.
Educate users about safe computing practices and potential phishing attempts.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security patches from Microsoft.