CVE-2020-1471 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2020-1471 affecting Microsoft Windows systems. Learn mitigation strategies and the importance of patching to enhance system security.
Windows CloudExperienceHost Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was published on September 11, 2020. The vulnerability affects various Microsoft Windows versions, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system.
Understanding CVE-2020-1471
What is CVE-2020-1471?
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Microsoft Windows CloudExperienceHost due to the failure to check COM objects. This oversight enables attackers to potentially escalate their privileges on the compromised system. To exploit this vulnerability, attackers must log in to the affected system and execute a specially crafted script or application. Microsoft addressed this issue by implementing checks for COM objects.
The Impact of CVE-2020-1471
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining elevated privileges on the targeted Windows system, potentially leading to further system compromise and unauthorized access.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-1471
Vulnerability Description
The elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows CloudExperienceHost arises from the lack of proper validation of COM objects, allowing malicious actors to bypass security mechanisms.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Windows 10 Version 1803, 1809, 1909, 1507, 1607
- Windows Server 2019, 2016
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers need to log into an affected system
- Execute a specially crafted script or application
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the security update provided by Microsoft to address the vulnerability
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or unusual system behavior
- Limit user permissions to minimize the impact of potential privilege escalation
Long-Term Security Practices
- Keep systems and software up to date with the latest security patches
- Educate users on best practices for identifying and avoiding suspicious activities
Patching and Updates
- Regularly check for and apply security updates from Microsoft to safeguard against known vulnerabilities