CVE-2020-1165: Windows Clipboard Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles calls to Clipboard Service, aka 'Windows Clipboard Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1111, CVE-2020-1121, CVE-2020-1166.
Other sources
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles calls to Clipboard Service. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the security context of the local system. 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 over an affected system. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows handles calls to Clipboard Service.
— 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
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is realistically exposed to this vulnerability?
Affected systems include Microsoft Windows 10 and Microsoft Windows Server 2016. Exploitation requires an attacker to first log on locally, so the vulnerability is most relevant where an attacker already has access to a user account or can execute an application in a logged-on user's context.
What does an attacker need to exploit it?
The attacker must be able to log on to the target system and run a specially crafted application. No user interaction is described as necessary once the attacker has that local access.
What is the impact of successful exploitation?
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the local system security context. The attacker could install programs, view, modify, or delete data, and create accounts with full user rights.
How is the issue remediated?
Apply the security update that corrects how Windows handles calls to the Clipboard Service. The provided data does not identify a workaround or mitigation for systems that cannot yet be patched.