CVE-2020-0922: Microsoft Windows 10 COM RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2020-0922 Overview

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft COM for Windows handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute arbitrary code on a target system. To exploit the vulnerability, a user would have to open a specially crafted file or be lured to a website hosting malicious JavaScript.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Windows systems through malicious files or websites, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Affected Products

• Microsoft Windows 10 (multiple versions including 1607, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004)
• Microsoft Windows 7 SP1
• Microsoft Windows 8.1
• Microsoft Windows RT 8.1
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 and R2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (including 1903, 1909, 2004)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2019

Discovery Timeline

• 2020-09-11 - CVE-2020-0922 published to NVD
• 2026-02-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2020-0922

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability affects the Microsoft Component Object Model (COM) subsystem in Windows operating systems. COM is a fundamental Windows technology that enables inter-process communication and dynamic object creation. The flaw stems from improper handling of objects in memory by the COM infrastructure, which can be exploited to achieve remote code execution.

The attack requires user interaction—either opening a specially crafted file or visiting a malicious website containing JavaScript designed to trigger the vulnerability. When exploited successfully, an attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. If the user has administrative privileges, the attacker could achieve complete system compromise, including installing programs, modifying data, or creating new accounts with full user rights.

With an EPSS probability of 17.73% (95th percentile), this vulnerability shows elevated likelihood of exploitation compared to typical CVEs, indicating heightened risk in the threat landscape.

Root Cause

The vulnerability originates from improper memory object handling within the Microsoft COM for Windows component. When COM processes certain objects, it fails to properly validate or manage memory operations, creating a condition that attackers can leverage to corrupt memory and redirect execution flow to attacker-controlled code.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires user interaction to succeed. An attacker would need to convince a target user to:

1. Open a specially crafted file designed to trigger the vulnerability, or
2. Visit a website controlled by the attacker that hosts malicious JavaScript code

The malicious JavaScript or crafted file would interact with the vulnerable COM component in a way that triggers the improper memory handling, ultimately allowing arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.

Detection Methods for CVE-2020-0922

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected COM object instantiation from web browser processes or Office applications
• Unusual JavaScript execution patterns in browser logs triggering COM interactions
• Memory corruption signatures in Windows Event logs associated with COM components
• Suspicious process spawning from iexplore.exe, edge.exe, or Office applications

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for anomalous behavior in browser and document handling processes, particularly unexpected child process creation
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify COM-related exploitation attempts through behavioral analysis
• Deploy network intrusion detection signatures to identify malicious payloads targeting this vulnerability
• Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard and monitor for blocked exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable and review Windows Security Event logs for COM-related errors and anomalies
• Configure application whitelisting to restrict execution of untrusted code
• Deploy SentinelOne agents to monitor for behavioral indicators of COM exploitation attempts
• Review web proxy logs for connections to known malicious domains serving exploit content

How to Mitigate CVE-2020-0922

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the Microsoft security update addressing CVE-2020-0922 immediately to all affected systems
• Ensure all Windows systems are running the latest cumulative updates from September 2020 or later
• Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and visiting unknown websites
• Consider implementing application control policies to restrict JavaScript execution in enterprise environments

Patch Information

Microsoft has released security updates that address this vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft COM for Windows handles objects in memory. The security update is available through Windows Update and the Microsoft Security Advisory for CVE-2020-0922.

Organizations should prioritize patching based on the wide range of affected products, spanning Windows 7 through Windows 10 and corresponding server versions. Legacy systems such as Windows 7 and Server 2008 require Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscriptions to receive patches.

Workarounds

• Restrict web browsing on sensitive systems to reduce exposure to malicious websites
• Implement strict email attachment policies to block potentially malicious file types
• Deploy browser isolation technologies for high-risk users who may encounter untrusted web content
• Enable Protected View in Microsoft Office applications to prevent automatic execution of embedded content

# Verify Windows Update status and installed patches
wmic qfe list | findstr /i "KB"

# Check for September 2020 cumulative updates
systeminfo | findstr /i "KB4571756 KB4574727 KB4577015 KB4577032 KB4577049 KB4577038"