How severe is CVE-2020-16273?

CVE-2020-16273 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-2020-16273 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-16273?

CVE-2020-16273 affects Arm Armv8-m Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16273?

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-2020-16273 published?

CVE-2020-16273 was published on 2020-11-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-16273

CVE-2020-16273 is a high-severity vulnerability in Arm Armv8-m Firmware 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-191.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (26th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-191
Affected product: Arm Armv8-m Firmware
Published: 2020-11-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In Arm software implementing the Armv8-M processors (all versions), the stack selection mechanism could be influenced by a stack-underflow attack in v8-M TrustZone based processors. An attacker can cause a change to the stack pointer used by the Secure World from a non-secure application if the stack is not initialized. This vulnerability affects only the software that is based on Armv8-M processors with the Security Extension.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16273?: In Arm software implementing the Armv8-M processors (all versions), the stack selection mechanism could be influenced by a stack-underflow attack in v8-M TrustZone based processors. An attacker can cause a change to the stack pointer used by the Secure World from a non-secure application if the stack is not initialized. This vulnerability affects only the software that is based on Armv8-M processors with the Security Extension.
How severe is CVE-2020-16273?: CVE-2020-16273 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-2020-16273 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16273?: CVE-2020-16273 affects Arm Armv8-m Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16273?: 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-2020-16273 published?: CVE-2020-16273 was published on 2020-11-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://developer.arm.com/support/arm-security-updates/armv8-m-stack-sealing

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:arm:armv8-m_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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