CVE-2020-1311 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Component Object Model (COM) client uses special case IIDs, aka 'Component Object Model Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Understanding CVE-2020-1311

This CVE involves an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Component Object Model (COM) client due to the use of special case IIDs.

What is CVE-2020-1311?

CVE-2020-1311 refers to an elevation of privilege vulnerability present in the Component Object Model (COM) client.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1311

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1311

This section provides detailed technical information regarding the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a flaw in the way COM client handles special case IIDs, enabling unauthorized privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects various Microsoft Windows and Windows Server versions, including:

Windows 10 Version 2004 for ARM64-based Systems
Windows 10 Version 1803, 1809, 1709, and others
Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2012, and others

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious COM object and convincing a user to access a specially crafted webpage or document.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2020-1311:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security updates and patches provided by Microsoft.
Implement security best practices to reduce the attack surface.
Educate users about the risks of downloading and executing files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates from Microsoft and apply them promptly.
Employ network segmentation and restrictions to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released security updates to address CVE-2020-1311. Ensure timely deployment of these patches to safeguard your systems.