Local privilege escalation via improper memory handling
Published May 21, 2020 · Updated Aug 19, 2026
Improper memory handling in Microsoft Windows allows local users to execute arbitrary code with full system privileges via a crafted application. Microsoft has not disclosed the affected component, object type, or incorrect memory operation beyond stating that Windows mishandles objects in memory. Exploitation requires an existing low-privilege logon and local application execution, after which the attacker gains full control of the affected system.
Summary
What happened
Improper memory handling in Microsoft Windows allows local users to execute arbitrary code with full system privileges via a crafted application. Microsoft has not disclosed the affected component, object type, or incorrect memory operation beyond stating that Windows mishandles objects in memory. Exploitation requires an existing low-privilege logon and local application execution, after which the attacker gains full control of the affected system.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2020-1079
- Published
- May 21, 2020
- Updated
- Aug 19, 2026
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows 10 Version 1507
- Classifications
- T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- May 21, 2020CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 19, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
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- Affected versionversion=10.0.10240.0 <publication
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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