CVE-2020-1027
Published: May 23, 2022
Official Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Kernel handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute code with elevated permissions.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Kernel handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute code with elevated permissions.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Kernel's handling of objects in memory, allowing an attacker to execute code with elevated permissions. This high-severity flaw has a significant exploitation probability (EPSS 0.09543), indicating a strong likelihood of exploitation. This vulnerability is confirmed to be actively exploited by CISA.
This vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild. Exploitation typically requires local access or another initial compromise.
Apply all available security updates for Microsoft Windows. Implement robust endpoint detection and response solutions to detect and prevent privilege escalation attempts.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-1027 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2020-1027 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-1027 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1