CVE-2020-0761 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2020-0761 was published on September 11, 2020, by Microsoft and addresses a remote code execution vulnerability in Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS). The vulnerability could allow an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2020-0761

What is CVE-2020-0761?

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS), where objects in memory are mishandled, potentially enabling an attacker to run unauthorized code in the context of the Local System Account.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0761

The vulnerability, if exploited, could lead to severe consequences as an authenticated attacker could execute arbitrary code by sending malicious requests to an ADIDNS server.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0761

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from ADIDNS improperly managing objects in memory, offering an entry point for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Microsoft Windows Server version 2004
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server, versions 1909 and 1903 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2016 and 2016 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2012 R2 and 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit the vulnerability, an authenticated attacker can send malicious requests to the ADIDNS server, leveraging the mishandling of objects in memory to execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security update issued by Microsoft to address the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activity on ADIDNS servers.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce least privilege access to limit potential damage from a successful exploit.
Regularly update and patch systems to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to install the security update provided by Microsoft to correct how ADIDNS manages objects in memory and prevent unauthorized code execution.