critical
9.3
Advisory Published
Updated

CVE-2020-16911: GDI+ Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

First published: Fri Oct 16 2020(Updated: )

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) handles objects in the memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.</p> <p>There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability:</p> <ul> <li>In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to open an email attachment or click a link in an email or instant message.</li> <li>In a file-sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file that is designed to exploit the vulnerability, and then convince users to open the document file.</li> </ul> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that the Windows GDI handles objects in the memory.</p>

Credit: secure@microsoft.com

Affected SoftwareAffected VersionHow to fix
Windows 10
Windows 10=1607
Windows 10=1709
Windows 10=1803
Windows 10=1809
Windows 10=1903
Windows 10=1909
Windows 10=2004
Microsoft Windows 7=sp1
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows RT
Microsoft Windows Server
Microsoft Windows Server=r2
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1903
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1909
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=2004
Microsoft Windows Server 2019

Remedy

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16911

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Reference Links

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the severity of CVE-2020-16911?

    CVE-2020-16911 is rated as critical due to its potential for remote code execution.

  • How do I fix CVE-2020-16911?

    To fix CVE-2020-16911, apply the security updates provided by Microsoft for the affected versions of Windows.

  • Which versions of Windows are affected by CVE-2020-16911?

    CVE-2020-16911 affects several versions of Windows including Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server versions.

  • What is the impact of exploiting CVE-2020-16911?

    Exploiting CVE-2020-16911 could allow an attacker to take control of the affected system and install malicious software.

  • Are there any workarounds for CVE-2020-16911 before applying the fix?

    Currently, Microsoft recommends applying the security updates as the primary solution, with no specific workarounds mentioned for CVE-2020-16911.

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