CVE-2020-0785 : What You Need to Know

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows User Profile Service (ProfSvc) due to improper handling of symlinks.

Understanding CVE-2020-0785

This CVE identifies a specific elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows systems.

What is CVE-2020-0785?

An elevation of privilege vulnerability is present in the Windows User Profile Service, which could allow an attacker to gain elevated access to resources they should not have.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0785

The vulnerability may result in unauthorized users gaining elevated privileges on affected Windows systems, potentially leading to further malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0785

This section dives into the technical specifics of the identified vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from how the Windows User Profile Service (ProfSvc) handles symlinks, enabling attackers to escalate their privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Windows products and versions are impacted:

Windows 10 Version 1803, 1809, 1709, 1607, 10, 7, 8.1, RT 8.1
Windows Server 1803, 2019, 2016, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2
Windows 10 Version 1909 and 1903 for various system architectures

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating symlinks in the Windows User Profile Service to gain unauthorized access and elevate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing the CVE and securing systems is crucial to prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply Microsoft's recommended security updates promptly.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or privilege escalation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access.
Regularly review and update security configurations to mitigate similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Install the latest security patches provided by Microsoft to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.