CVE-2020-1506: An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Wininit.dll handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited th...

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Wininit.dll handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute code with elevated permissions. There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability: <ul> <li>In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this vulnerability and then convince a user to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email. </li> <li>In a file sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file that is designed to exploit this vulnerability, and then convince a user to open the document file. </li> </ul> The security update addresses the vulnerability by ensuring the Wininit.dll properly handles objects in memory.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N

EPSS Probability

2.10%

79.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	11

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1506Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1506Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Sep 11, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-1506?

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Wininit.dll handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute code with elevated permissions. There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability: <ul> <li>In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this vulnerability and then convince a user to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email. </li> <li>In a file sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file that is designed to exploit this vulnerability, and then convince a user to open the document file. </li> </ul> The security update addresses the vulnerability by ensuring the Wininit.dll properly handles objects in memory.

How severe is CVE-2020-1506?

CVE-2020-1506 has a CVSS score of 6.1/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.10% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-1506?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

How Strix Helps

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