CVE-2020-1054
Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation
- Published21 May 2020
- Added to CISA KEV3 Nov 2021
- Remediation due3 May 2022
Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle 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 this vulnerability by correcting how the Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory.
CVSS 3.1 breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HAffected products
Remediation
No fixed version is recorded in the NVD data. Check the vendor advisory for the latest guidance.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160515/Microsoft-Windows-DrawIconEx-Local-Privilege-Escalation.html
- https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2020-1054
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1054
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-1054
Related CVEs
Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.
Frequently asked
Is CVE-2020-1054 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2020-1054 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added 3 Nov 2021.
How severe is CVE-2020-1054?
CVE-2020-1054 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.0, rated high. EPSS estimates a 54.2% probability of exploitation.
Which products are affected by CVE-2020-1054?
Affected products include Microsoft Windows 10 1507, Microsoft Windows 10 1607, Microsoft Windows 10 1709, Microsoft Windows 10 1803, Microsoft Windows 10 1809, and 12 more.
How do I fix CVE-2020-1054?
Apply the vendor's patch or advisory guidance, then verify no affected versions remain across your devices.
How Secuno handles this
Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-1054 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. Because it is on the CISA KEV list, Secuno flags any affected asset as top-priority automatically. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.
Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.