CVE-2020-16933: Microsoft Word Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
First published: Fri Oct 16 2020(Updated: )
<p>A security feature bypass vulnerability exists in Microsoft Word software when it fails to properly handle .LNK files. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could use a specially crafted file to perform actions in the security context of the current user. For example, the file could then take actions on behalf of the logged-on user with the same permissions as the current user.</p> <p>To exploit the vulnerability, a user must open a specially crafted file with an affected version of Microsoft Word software. In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending the specially crafted file to the user and convincing the user to open the file. In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a website (or leverage a compromised website that accepts or hosts user-provided content) that contains a specially crafted file that is designed to exploit the vulnerability. However, an attacker would have no way to force the user to visit the website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince the user to click a link, typically by way of an enticement in an email or Instant Messenger message, and then convince the user to open the specially crafted file.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Word handles these files.</p>
Credit: secure@microsoft.com
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| 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 10 | =2004 | |
| Microsoft Windows 7 | =sp1 | |
| Microsoft Windows 8.1 | ||
| Microsoft Windows RT | ||
| Microsoft Windows Server | =sp2 | |
| Microsoft Windows Server | =r2-sp1 | |
| 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 | ||
| Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise | ||
| Microsoft Office | =2016 | |
| Microsoft Office | =2019 | |
| Microsoft Office | =2019 | |
| Microsoft Office Word | =2010-sp2 | |
| Microsoft Office Word | =2013-sp1 | |
| Microsoft Office Word | =2013-sp1 | |
| Microsoft Office Word | =2016 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2020-16933?
CVE-2020-16933 has been rated as important, indicating a significant risk to Microsoft Word users.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16933?
To fix CVE-2020-16933, install the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for the affected versions of Windows and Office.
What versions of Microsoft software are affected by CVE-2020-16933?
CVE-2020-16933 affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Office, including Windows 7, 10, and various iterations of Office.
Can exploitation of CVE-2020-16933 lead to a system compromise?
Yes, exploitation of CVE-2020-16933 could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands in the context of the current user.
Is there a workaround for CVE-2020-16933?
Currently, the best mitigation for CVE-2020-16933 is to apply the security patches as they become available from Microsoft.
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