CVE-2020-1550 : What You Need to Know

Windows CDP User Components Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability was published on August 17, 2020, by Microsoft. The vulnerability allows attackers to gain elevated privileges by exploiting memory handling in Windows CDP User Components.

Understanding CVE-2020-1550

What is CVE-2020-1550?

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows CDP User Components due to improper memory handling.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1550

This vulnerability enables attackers to execute specially crafted applications to elevate their privileges on the victim's system. The security update for this CVE corrects the memory handling in the Windows CDP User Components.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1550

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling in Windows CDP User Components.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows 10 Version 2004
Windows Server version 2004
Windows 10 Version 1803
Windows 10 Version 1809
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
Windows 10 Version 1909
Windows Server, version 1909 (Server Core installation)
Windows 10 Version 1709 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 10 Version 1709
Windows 10 Version 1903 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems
Windows 10 Version 1903 for ARM64-based Systems
Windows Server, version 1903 (Server Core installation)
Windows 10 Version 1607
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, attackers need to execute on the victim system and then run a specially crafted application to gain elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security update provided by Microsoft to fix the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for any unauthorized access or unusual activities on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.
Conduct regular security training to educate users on identifying and avoiding potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay updated with security patches and updates from Microsoft to address any new vulnerabilities or security issues.