SRC-2020-0033 : Microsoft Exchange Server ImportTransportRuleCollection ProcessE15Format Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE ID: CVE-2020-17117

CVSS Score: 9.1, (/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C)

Affected Vendors: Microsoft

Affected Products: Exchange Server

Vulnerability Details:

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Exchange Server. Authentication with the “Records Management” role is required to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the processing of the Import-TransportRuleCollection cmdlet. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied rule collection. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM.

Vendor Response:

Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-17132

Disclosure Timeline:

  • 2020-25-05 – Sent to Microsoft

  • 2020-12-08 – Coordinated public release of advisory

Credit: This vulnerability was discovered by Steven Seeley (mr_me) of Qihoo 360 Vulcan Team