#VU25963 Windows Hard Link in Visual Studio


Published: 2020-03-10

Vulnerability identifier: #VU25963

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 6.2 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-0789

CWE-ID: CWE-65

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Visual Studio
Universal components / Libraries / Software for developers

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the target  system.

The vulnerability exists due to the Visual Studio Extension Installer Service improperly handles hard links. A local authenticated user can run a specially crafted application and cause a target system to stop responding.

This vulnerability would allow an attacker to overwrite system files.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Visual Studio: 16.0.0 16.0.28729.10, 16.3.0 16.3.29318.209, 16.2.0 16.2.29123.88, 16.1.0 16.1.28917.181

External links
http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0789

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.


Latest bulletins with this vulnerability


Denial of service in Microsoft Visual Studio Extension Installer Service