CVE-2020-1048: Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Published May 12, 2020
·
Updated

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly allows arbitrary writing to the file system, aka 'Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1070.

Other sources

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly allows arbitrary writing to the file system. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. 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 have to log on to an affected system and run a specially crafted script or application. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows Print Spooler Component writes to the file system.

Microsoft

Affected Software

61 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 10=1709
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1903
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 7=sp1
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Microsoft Windows RT 8.1
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=sp2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=r2-sp1
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=r2-sp1
Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Windows Server 2012=r2
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1803
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1903
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1909
Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Windows 8.1 for x64-based systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Microsoft Windows 8.1 for 32-bit systems
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows RT 8.1
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Server=1903
Microsoft Windows 10=1903
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10=1903
Microsoft Windows 10=1903
Microsoft Windows 10=1709
Microsoft Windows 10=1709
Microsoft Windows 10=1709
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows Server=1909
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows Server=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1803

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556843
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556852
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556854
  4. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556853
  5. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556846
  6. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556813
  7. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556799
  8. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556826
  9. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556812
  10. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4551853
  11. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4556807

Event History

May 12, 2020
CVE Published
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
DescriptionSeverity
May 21, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:52 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:52 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2020-1048?

CVE-2020-1048 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Print Spooler service that allows arbitrary writing to the file system.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2020-1048?

The severity of CVE-2020-1048 is high, with a severity rating of 7.8 out of 10.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2020-1048?

The following software versions are affected by CVE-2020-1048: Microsoft Windows 10 (all versions), Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016 (all versions), and Windows Server 2019.

4

How can I fix CVE-2020-1048?

To fix CVE-2020-1048, apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as mentioned in the advisory.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2020-1048?

You can find more information about CVE-2020-1048 in the following references: [Link 1](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158222/Windows-Print-Spooler-Privilege-Escalation.html), [Link 2](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159217/Microsoft-Spooler-Local-Privilege-Elevation.html), [Link 3](https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1048).

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203