CVE-2020-1079 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows fails to handle objects in memory properly, known as 'Microsoft Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Understanding CVE-2020-1079

This CVE ID is specific to an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows.

What is CVE-2020-1079?

It is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows systems.
The vulnerability occurs due to improper handling of objects in memory.
This CVE is distinct from CVE-2020-1010 and CVE-2020-1068.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1079

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to elevate privileges and potentially execute arbitrary code.
Successful exploitation could lead to a complete compromise of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1079

This section provides technical details of the vulnerability and affected systems.

Vulnerability Description

Type: Elevation of Privilege vulnerability.
Identifier: CVE-2020-1079.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows

Affected Versions:
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit systems
Windows 8.1 for x64-based systems
Windows RT 8.1
Windows 10 Version 1607, 1709, 1803, 1809 for 32-bit, x64-based, and ARM64-based systems
Windows 10 versions for 32-bit and x64-based systems

Windows Server

Affected Versions:
Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019 with various installations.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by running a specially crafted application.
Remote exploitation is possible through phishing emails or malicious websites.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to mitigate the impact of CVE-2020-1079:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft.
Monitor systems for any unusual activities.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update systems and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training to educate users on identifying phishing attempts.
Utilize endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent malicious activities.
Employ network segmentation to contain potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released security updates to address this vulnerability.
Ensure all affected systems are promptly updated with the latest patches.