CVE-2020-16938 : Security Advisory and Response

On October 13, 2020, Microsoft disclosed a vulnerability in Windows Kernel that could lead to information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2020-16938

What is CVE-2020-16938?

An information disclosure flaw in the Windows kernel allows attackers to access system information, potentially leading to further compromises.

The Impact of CVE-2020-16938

Exploiting this vulnerability could enable attackers to gather sensitive data, although it does not directly allow code execution or user rights elevation.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-16938

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the mishandling of objects in memory within the Windows kernel.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Products: Windows 10 Version 2004, Windows Server version 2004
Platforms: 32-bit Systems, ARM64-based Systems, x64-based Systems
Versions: Windows 10 Version 2004 (10.0.0), Windows Server version 2004 (10.0.0)

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit, attackers need to log in to the system and execute a specially crafted application to access system information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security update provided by Microsoft to address the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the system that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update systems with the latest security patches and updates.
Implement strong access controls and user permissions to limit potential attack surfaces.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released an update to fix the vulnerability by addressing the way the Windows kernel handles objects in memory.