Microsoft · Win32k
CVE-2020-1054
Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
What it is
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and take control of an affected system.
The update addresses this vulnerability by correcting how the Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory.
CISA: Microsoft Win32k contains a privilege escalation vulnerability when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute code in kernel mode.
What to do
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Deadline for US federal agencies: May 3, 2022
More exploited flaws from Microsoft
| Added | Vulnerability | Product | Severity | Attack chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 22, 2023 | Privilege Escalation | Win32k | High 7.8 | 14% |
| May 9, 2023 | Privilege Escalation | Win32k | High 7.8 | 41% |
| May 25, 2022 | Privilege Escalation | Win32k | High 8.8 | 15% |
| May 23, 2022 | Privilege Escalation | Win32k | High 7.8 | 3.0% |
| May 4, 2022 | Privilege Escalation | Win32k | High 7.8 | 87% |
| Apr 25, 2022 | Privilege Escalation | Win32k | High 7.8 | 1.6% |
| Apr 25, 2022 | Privilege Escalation | Win32k | High 7.8 | 1.6% |
| Mar 28, 2022 | Privilege Escalation | Win32k | High 7.8 | 39% |
Sources: Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (CISA, public domain), CVE records (cve.org) and EPSS (FIRST). The chance of attacks is the EPSS estimate that someone will try to exploit the flaw in the next 30 days.