CVE-2020-1140: DirectX Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when DirectX improperly handles objects in memory, aka 'DirectX Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Other sources
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when DirectX improperly handles 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 the vulnerability by correcting how DirectX handles objects in memory.
— Microsoft
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Patch KB4556799 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Patch KB4551853
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of access does an attacker need to exploit this issue?
The attacker must first be able to log on to the affected system. They can then run a specially crafted application locally; no user interaction is required after that.
What could successful exploitation allow?
Successful exploitation could allow arbitrary code execution in kernel mode. An attacker could take control of the system, install programs, view, modify, or delete data, and create accounts with full user rights.
Which systems are identified as affected?
The listed affected software includes Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows Server 2016, and Microsoft Windows Server 2019.
What remediation is described?
Apply the security update that corrects how DirectX handles objects in memory.