CVE-2020-1027KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

High · published April 15, 2020

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 91.8th percentile for exploit probability.

1593
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
5%
Percentile
91.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ A crafty attack can elevate privileges on Windows by exploiting how the kernel manages memory objects—think of it as a mischievous intern who finds a way to bypass office protocols and access the executive lounge! This vulnerability is like a poorly supervised kitchen where a chef can sneak past the line cooks and access the secret recipes without permission. When the Windows Kernel doesn't handle memory objects properly, it opens the door for unauthorized actions. An attacker could leverage this flaw to gain elevated access, potentially allowing them to run malicious code with higher privileges, manipulate system settings, or even install malware. This could lead to full control over the affected system—truly a nightmare scenario!

Put simply

This vulnerability is like a poorly supervised kitchen where a chef can sneak past the line cooks and access the secret recipes without permission. When the Windows Kernel doesn't handle memory objects properly, it opens the door for unauthorized actions. CVE-2020-1027 describes an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Kernel, where improper handling of memory objects allows attackers to escalate their permissions on the system, thereby executing arbitrary code at a higher privilege level.

What to do

An attacker could leverage this flaw to gain elevated access, potentially allowing them to run malicious code with higher privileges, manipulate system settings, or even install malware. This could lead to full control over the affected system—truly a nightmare scenario! Patch your systems to the latest Windows updates immediately, as Microsoft has released updates that address this vulnerability. Regularly review system configurations and ensure only authorized users have elevated privileges. Don't wait—protect your systems now! You've got this! Stay vigilant, update your systems, and keep that executive lounge under lock and key! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.04723 · 91.8th percentile
Published
2020-04-15T15:13Z
KEV added
2022-05-23 · due 2022-06-13
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 23 MAY 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Jun 13
    kev
  • 15 APR 15:13Z
    An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Kernel handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege…
    cvelistv5