Vulnerability identifier: #VU25922

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 6.8 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-0840

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to the way Windows handles hard links. A local user can create a malicious application, launch it on the system and overwrite a targeted file leading to an elevated status.

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: 10 - 10 1909, 8.1 - 8.1 RT

Windows Server: 2012 R2 - 2019 1909

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External links
http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0840

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.