CVE-2020-0601

CISA description

Microsoft Windows CryptoAPI (Crypt32.dll) contains a spoofing vulnerability in the way it validates Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) certificates. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by using a spoofed code-signing certificate to sign a malicious executable, making it appear the file was from a trusted, legitimate source. A successful exploit could also allow the attacker to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks and decrypt confidential information on user connections to the affected software. The vulnerability is also known under the moniker of CurveBall.

Required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Notes & references

• Reference CISA's ED 20-02 (https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/ed-20-02-mitigate-windows-vulnerabilities-january-2020-patch-tuesday) for further guidance and requirements. Note: The due date for addressing this vulnerability aligns with the requirements outlined in ED 20-02. https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0601

Where this lands in 800-53

Vulnerability data triggers these controls during assessment and continuous monitoring.

• RA-5 · Vulnerability Monitoring and Scanning
• SI-2 · Flaw Remediation
• CM-6 · Configuration Settings
• SI-7 · Software, Firmware, and Information Integrity
• CM-8 · System Component Inventory

External lookups

• NVD · CVE-2020-0601
• CVE.org · CVE-2020-0601
• CISA KEV catalog (canonical)