How severe is CVE-2000-0420?

CVE-2000-0420 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2000-0420 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (71st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2000-0420?

CVE-2000-0420 affects Microsoft Windows 2000. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2000-0420?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2000-0420 published?

CVE-2000-0420 was published on 2000-05-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2000-0420

CVE-2000-0420 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (71st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 2000
Published: 2000-05-11
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The default configuration of SYSKEY in Windows 2000 stores the startup key in the registry, which could allow an attacker tor ecover it and use it to decrypt Encrypted File System (EFS) data.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2000-0420?: The default configuration of SYSKEY in Windows 2000 stores the startup key in the registry, which could allow an attacker tor ecover it and use it to decrypt Encrypted File System (EFS) data.
How severe is CVE-2000-0420?: CVE-2000-0420 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2000-0420 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (71st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2000-0420?: CVE-2000-0420 affects Microsoft Windows 2000. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2000-0420?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2000-0420 published?: CVE-2000-0420 was published on 2000-05-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_2000:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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