Microsoft Windows User Profile Service Arbitrary File Deletion Vulnerability
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows local attackers to delete arbitrary files on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within handling of the local registry hive by the User Profile service. By creating a junction, an attacker can abuse the service to delete files in an incorrect location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to delete files in the context of SYSTEM.
Additional Details
Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16940
Disclosure Timeline
- 2020-07-01 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2020-10-19 - Coordinated public release of advisory
Credit
Abdelhamid Naceri
