How severe is CVE-2020-1459?

CVE-2020-1459 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-1459 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (90th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-1459?

CVE-2020-1459 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-1459?

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-2020-1459 published?

CVE-2020-1459 was published on 2020-08-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-1459

CVE-2020-1459 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-203.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 2.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (90th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-203
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2020-08-17
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An information disclosure vulnerability exists on ARM implementations that use speculative execution in control flow via a side-channel analysis, aka "straight-line speculation." To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker with local privileges would need to run a specially crafted application. The security update addresses the vulnerability by bypassing the speculative execution.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-1459?: An information disclosure vulnerability exists on ARM implementations that use speculative execution in control flow via a side-channel analysis, aka "straight-line speculation." To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker with local privileges would need to run a specially crafted application. The security update addresses the vulnerability by bypassing the speculative execution.
How severe is CVE-2020-1459?: CVE-2020-1459 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-1459 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (90th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-1459?: CVE-2020-1459 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-1459?: 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-2020-1459 published?: CVE-2020-1459 was published on 2020-08-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1459

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1809:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1903:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1909:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:2004:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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