What is CVE-2020-0718?

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) mishandles objects in memory. An authenticated attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the Local System Account To exploit the vulnerability, an authenticated attacker could send malicious requests to an Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) server. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) handles objects in memory.

How severe is CVE-2020-0718?

CVE-2020-0718 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-0718 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-0718?

CVE-2020-0718 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2008. In total, 9 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0718?

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-2020-0718 published?

CVE-2020-0718 was published on 2020-09-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-0718

CVE-2020-0718 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
CVSS v2: 6.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (88th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Published: 2020-09-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) mishandles objects in memory. An authenticated attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the Local System Account To exploit the vulnerability, an authenticated attacker could send malicious requests to an Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) server. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) handles objects in memory.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-0718?: A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) mishandles objects in memory. An authenticated attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the Local System Account To exploit the vulnerability, an authenticated attacker could send malicious requests to an Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) server. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Active Directory integrated DNS (ADIDNS) handles objects in memory.
How severe is CVE-2020-0718?: CVE-2020-0718 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-0718 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-0718?: CVE-2020-0718 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2008. In total, 9 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-0718?: 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-2020-0718 published?: CVE-2020-0718 was published on 2020-09-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0718

Affected products (9)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:x86:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:1903:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:1909:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:2004:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2019:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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