In January 2020, Microsoft said it was working on a fix for CVE-2020-0674, a JScript memory-corruption vulnerability in Internet Explorer that had been exploited in limited, targeted attacks. The flaw could let an attacker run code as the targeted user after that person visited a specially crafted website. The headline describes Microsoft’s position at the time; it is not a current patch-status notice.
What CVE-2020-0674 allowed an attacker to do
SecurityWeek’s January 20, 2020 report described the flaw in jscript.dll, a compatibility library for a deprecated version of JScript. Microsoft said that successful exploitation could enable remote code execution in the context of the targeted user if the user visited a specially crafted website. As a result, any code run through the vulnerability would have the privileges of that account, rather than automatically gaining broader system rights. SecurityWeek’s report
Which Internet Explorer and Windows versions were listed
The report listed Internet Explorer 9, 10, and 11 on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, as well as Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2019. This is the scope reported in January 2020, not a current compatibility or support matrix. Microsoft’s qualification, as reported by SecurityWeek, was that supported IE versions used jscript9.dll by default, while some websites relying on jscript.dll remained affected. Microsoft also said Enhanced Security Configuration on Windows Server reduced risk by restricting browsing behavior. SecurityWeek’s report
What was known about the targeted attacks
Microsoft said it learned about the vulnerability from Google’s Threat Analysis Group and Qihoo 360, which had observed limited, targeted exploitation. SecurityWeek reported that Qihoo 360 found evidence suggesting DarkHotel might be involved. That was a qualified indication, not a definitive attribution of the attacks to DarkHotel. SecurityWeek’s report
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What Microsoft said about a fix
At the time of the report, Microsoft said it was working on a fix and described its usual security-update schedule. The statement did not specify the eventual release date for a CVE-2020-0674 patch:
“Microsoft is aware of this vulnerability and working on a fix. Our standard policy is to release security updates on Update Tuesday, the second Tuesday of each month. This predictable schedule allows for partner quality assurance and IT planning, which helps maintain the Windows ecosystem as a reliable, secure choice for our customers,”
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The quotation was attributed to Microsoft’s advisory in SecurityWeek’s report. SecurityWeek’s report
What the temporary workaround changed
Before a patch was available, Microsoft advised administrators to restrict access to jscript.dll using administrative commands. This was a software-access workaround, not a physical repair or a general browser recommendation. SecurityWeek noted that administrators would need to reverse the workaround before installing a future update. Its commands and applicability belong to the historical mitigation described at the time, so this report should not be treated as current remediation guidance. SecurityWeek’s report
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How to read the headline today
“Microsoft to Patch Internet Explorer Vulnerability Exploited in Targeted Attacks” refers to the news published on January 20, 2020: Microsoft had acknowledged CVE-2020-0674 and said it was developing a fix after reports of limited attacks. It does not mean a patch is still pending, nor does the historical list of affected systems establish present-day browser support or security status.
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