How severe is CVE-2020-1461?

CVE-2020-1461 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-1461 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (49th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-1461?

CVE-2020-1461 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Defender. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-1461?

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-2020-1461 published?

CVE-2020-1461 was published on 2020-07-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-1461

CVE-2020-1461 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Defender with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. 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 7.1)
CVSS v2: 3.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (49th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Defender
Published: 2020-07-14
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the MpSigStub.exe for Defender allows file deletion in arbitrary locations.To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system, aka 'Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-1461?: An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the MpSigStub.exe for Defender allows file deletion in arbitrary locations.To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system, aka 'Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
How severe is CVE-2020-1461?: CVE-2020-1461 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-1461 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (49th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-1461?: CVE-2020-1461 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Defender. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-1461?: 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-2020-1461 published?: CVE-2020-1461 was published on 2020-07-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1461

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_defender:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:forefront_endpoint_protection_2010:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:security_essentials:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:system_center_endpoint_protection:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:system_center_endpoint_protection:2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:system_center_endpoint_protection:2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*

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