CVE-2020-1568
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-1568 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Edge PDF Reader that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files. This affects users running vulnerable versions of Microsoft Edge with the built-in PDF reader enabled. Successful exploitation gives attackers the same privileges as the current user.
💻 Affected Systems
- Microsoft Edge
📦 What is this software?
Edge by Microsoft
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with administrative privileges, allowing installation of malware, data theft, and complete system control.
Likely Case
Limited user account compromise leading to data exfiltration, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if PDF reader is disabled; limited impact if user has minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious PDF) but no authentication. No public exploit code was widely reported.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Microsoft Edge version with August 2020 security updates
Vendor Advisory: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1568
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Microsoft Edge. 2. Click Settings (three dots) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. 3. Allow automatic update or download latest version from Microsoft. 4. Restart browser and system if prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable built-in PDF reader
windowsConfigure Microsoft Edge to use alternative PDF readers instead of the vulnerable built-in component.
edge://settings/content/pdfDocuments
Toggle 'Open PDF files in Microsoft Edge' to OFF
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Microsoft Edge PDF reader and use alternative PDF software
- Implement application whitelisting to block unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Microsoft Edge version in Settings > About Microsoft Edge. If version predates August 2020 updates, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Start Microsoft Edge, navigate to edge://settings/help or check About Microsoft EdgeVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Microsoft Edge version is updated to August 2020 or later security update version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected PDF file openings in Edge
- Crash reports from Microsoft Edge PDF reader
- Unusual process spawning from Microsoft Edge
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from untrusted sources
- Network connections initiated after PDF opening
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Parent Process contains 'msedge.exe' AND Command Line contains unexpected executables