CVE-2020-0779 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

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-2020-0779

This CVE involves a security flaw in Windows Installer that can lead to elevation of privilege attacks.

What is CVE-2020-0779?

The vulnerability occurs when the Windows Installer processes symbolic links, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0779

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to escalate their privileges on the affected Windows systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0779

This section delves into specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the Windows Installer's handling of symbolic links, which could be abused for privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows systems running various versions are impacted, including Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and Windows Server releases.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could craft malicious MSI packages that leverage symbolic link processing to gain elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Effective strategies to address and prevent CVE-2020-0779.

Immediate Steps to Take

Patch affected systems promptly with the latest security updates from Microsoft.
Implement principle of least privilege to minimize potential impact of privilege escalation attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and maintain systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe computing practices to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Microsoft and apply patches promptly to secure your systems.