CVE-2020-0985 : What You Need to Know
Discover the elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows Update Stack identified with CVE-2020-0985. Learn about affected systems, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Update Stack fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Windows Update Stack Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. It is distinct from CVE-2020-0996.
Understanding CVE-2020-0985
What is CVE-2020-0985?
This CVE identifies an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Update Stack.
The Impact of CVE-2020-0985
The vulnerability can allow an attacker to elevate their privileges on the affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-0985
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of objects in memory within the Windows Update Stack.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Windows 10 versions 1607, 1709, 1803, 1809
- Windows 10 Version 1903, 1909
- Windows Server 2016, 2019
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to elevate their privileges on affected systems through crafted activities.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly.
- Monitor for any unauthorized system behavior.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update systems with the latest security patches and updates.
- Implement least privilege access policies to minimize the impact of potential privilege escalation.
Patching and Updates
Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest security patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.