CVE-2020-1581
CVE-2020-1581 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft 365 Apps 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: 9.3
- EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (88th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Affected product: Microsoft 365 Apps
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Office Click-to-Run (C2R) components handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could elevate privileges. The attacker would need to already have the ability to execute code on the system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by running a specially crafted application on the victim system. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Office Click-to-Run (C2R) components handle objects in memory.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2020-1581?
- An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Office Click-to-Run (C2R) components handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could elevate privileges. The attacker would need to already have the ability to execute code on the system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by running a specially crafted application on the victim system. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Office Click-to-Run (C2R) components handle objects in memory.
- How severe is CVE-2020-1581?
- CVE-2020-1581 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2020-1581 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-2020-1581?
- CVE-2020-1581 primarily affects Microsoft 365 Apps. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2020-1581?
- 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-2020-1581 published?
- CVE-2020-1581 was published on 2020-08-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Affected products (3)
- cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:365_apps:-:*:*:*:enterprise:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office:2013:*:*:*:click-to-run:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office:2019:*:*:*:*:-:*:*
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