How severe is CVE-2020-0835?

CVE-2020-0835 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-0835 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-0835?

CVE-2020-0835 affects Microsoft Windows Defender. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0835?

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-2020-0835 published?

CVE-2020-0835 was published on 2020-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-0835

CVE-2020-0835 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Defender with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (54th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Defender
Published: 2020-04-15
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows Defender antimalware platform improperly handles hard links, aka 'Windows Defender Antimalware Platform Hard Link Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-0835?: An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows Defender antimalware platform improperly handles hard links, aka 'Windows Defender Antimalware Platform Hard Link Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
How severe is CVE-2020-0835?: CVE-2020-0835 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-0835 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-0835?: CVE-2020-0835 affects Microsoft Windows Defender. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-0835?: 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-2020-0835 published?: CVE-2020-0835 was published on 2020-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0835

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_defender:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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