CVE-2020-1493: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2020-1493 is an information disclosure vulnerability that exists in Microsoft Outlook when attaching files to messages. The vulnerability was discovered and reported to Microsoft, who released a security update to address the issue. This vulnerability affects various versions of Microsoft Outlook, including Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, and Microsoft 365 Apps (NVD).

The vulnerability exists in how Outlook handles file attachment links. When exploited, it could allow users to share attached files in a way that makes them accessible to anonymous users when they should be restricted to specific users. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 Base Score of 5.5 (Medium) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, indicating local access is required and user interaction is needed (NVD).

The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential unauthorized access to restricted files. When exploited, files that should only be accessible to specific users could become accessible to anonymous users, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure (NVD).

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to attach a file as a link to an email. The email could then be shared with individuals who should not have access to the files, bypassing the default organizational setting for file access restrictions (NVD).

Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability by releasing a security update that corrects how Outlook handles file attachment links. Users are advised to apply the security update KB4484475 for affected versions of Outlook (Microsoft Support).