How severe is CVE-2020-1571?

CVE-2020-1571 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-1571 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (61st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-1571?

CVE-2020-1571 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-1571?

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-2020-1571 published?

CVE-2020-1571 was published on 2020-08-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-1571

CVE-2020-1571 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. 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-276.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (61st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-276
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2020-08-17
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Setup in the way it handles permissions. A locally authenticated attacker could run arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. After successfully exploiting the vulnerability, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. The security update addresses the vulnerability by ensuring Windows Setup properly handles permissions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-1571?: An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Setup in the way it handles permissions. A locally authenticated attacker could run arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. After successfully exploiting the vulnerability, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. The security update addresses the vulnerability by ensuring Windows Setup properly handles permissions.
How severe is CVE-2020-1571?: CVE-2020-1571 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-1571 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (61st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-1571?: CVE-2020-1571 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-1571?: 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-2020-1571 published?: CVE-2020-1571 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-2020-1571

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1803:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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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