CVE-2020-1196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the printconfig.dll handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows Print Configuration Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Understanding CVE-2020-1196

This CVE identifies an elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting certain Microsoft Windows systems.

What is CVE-2020-1196?

CVE-2020-1196 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability discovered in the printconfig.dll component of Microsoft Windows systems.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1196

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to elevate privileges on a compromised system, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1196

This section delves into specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of objects in memory by the printconfig.dll component of Windows.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following products and versions are affected by CVE-2020-1196:

Windows 10 Version 2004 for 32-bit Systems
Windows Server, version 2004 (Server Core installation)
Windows 10 Version 1803, 1809, 1709, 10, 1607, 7, 8.1, and RT 8.1 for various system architectures
Several versions of Windows Server
Windows 10 Versions 1909, 1903, and 2004 for various system architectures

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to manipulate objects in memory, potentially enabling them to execute malicious code and elevate privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-1196 involves immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly.
Monitor systems for any unusual activities that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software to address security vulnerabilities.
Conduct security awareness training to educate users about potential threats and best practices.

Patching and Updates

Installing the latest security updates and patches from Microsoft is crucial to address CVE-2020-1196 and enhance system security.