CVE-2020-0601KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Windows CryptoAPI Spoofing Vulnerability

High · published January 14, 2020

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.1. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.8th percentile for exploit probability.

1634
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.1
EPSS
89%
Percentile
99.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ A crafty attacker can use a spoofed code-signing certificate to pass off malicious software as legitimate! This isn't just a minor glitch; this vulnerability impacts Windows CryptoAPI directly! Think of it like a clever scam artist forging a famous artist's signature on a painting. It looks real, it sounds real, but it’s all a ruse to make you hang a dangerous fake on your wall! If exploited, an attacker could sign a malicious executable that seems as though it comes from a trusted source, potentially leading to disastrous consequences like data theft, unauthorized access, or even full system compromise! This is a serious threat that can completely undermine user trust and system integrity.

Put simply

Think of it like a clever scam artist forging a famous artist's signature on a painting. It looks real, it sounds real, but it’s all a ruse to make you hang a dangerous fake on your wall! This spoofing vulnerability resides in the Windows CryptoAPI (Crypt32.dll), where it improperly validates Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) certificates. This allows attackers to use a forged certificate to make harmful software appear as if it’s signed by a legitimate entity.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could sign a malicious executable that seems as though it comes from a trusted source, potentially leading to disastrous consequences like data theft, unauthorized access, or even full system compromise! This is a serious threat that can completely undermine user trust and system integrity. To protect against this vulnerability, ensure that you install the latest security update from Microsoft immediately. Additionally, regularly review your software sources and maintain a strict policy for software installations. You've got this! Stay vigilant, and with these steps, your system will be stronger than ever! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.1 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.89436 · 99.8th percentile
Published
2020-01-14T23:11Z
KEV added
2021-11-03 · due 2022-05-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by May 3
    kev
  • 14 JAN 23:11Z
    A spoofing vulnerability exists in the way Windows CryptoAPI (Crypt32.dll) validates Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) certificates.An attacker could exploit…
    cvelistv5