CVE-2020-1271 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Backup Service can lead to security breaches. Attackers exploiting this flaw require execution privileges on the victim's system.

Understanding CVE-2020-1271

What is CVE-2020-1271?

CVE-2020-1271 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Backup Service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1271

This vulnerability allows attackers to elevate their privileges after gaining execution on the victim system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1271

Vulnerability Description

The flaw lies in the improper file operation handling by the Windows Backup Service, creating a security loophole for privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following products and versions are affected:

Windows 10 Version 2004 for x64-based Systems
Windows versions - 10 Version 1803, 10 Version 1809, 10 Version 1709, 10, 10 Version 1607, 7 Service Pack 1
Windows Server versions - 1803, 2019, 2016

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, attackers must first gain execution rights on the victim's system, making it critical to prevent unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates from Microsoft promptly to patch the vulnerability and secure the system.
Implement strict access controls and user permissions to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update all software and systems to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Educate users on security best practices to enhance system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for and apply security updates from Microsoft to mitigate the risk of exploitation.