CVE-2020-1261 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the way Windows Error Reporting (WER) handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows Error Reporting Information Disclosure Vulnerability'.

Understanding CVE-2020-1261

This CVE pertains to an information disclosure vulnerability in Windows Error Reporting (WER) that could potentially expose sensitive data stored in memory.

What is CVE-2020-1261?

The vulnerability in Windows Error Reporting can lead to unauthorized access to potentially confidential information through memory handling.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1261

The vulnerability can result in the disclosure of sensitive data to unauthorized parties, posing a risk to data confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1261

This section delves into specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a flaw in how Windows Error Reporting processes objects in memory, leaving data vulnerable to exposure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following products and versions are affected:

Windows 10 Version 1803/x64/ARM64
Windows 10 Version 1809
Windows 10 Version 1709
Windows 10
Windows 10 Version 1607
Windows Server 1803/2019/2016
Windows 10 Version 1909/1903/2004

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the error reporting functionality to retrieve sensitive data stored in memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that may indicate exploitation.
Implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities proactively.
Train personnel on the importance of data security and safe computing practices.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for and install security patches and updates from Microsoft to mitigate the vulnerability.