CVE-2020-16895

CVE-2020-16895 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 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-755.

Key facts

Description

<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows Error Reporting manager improperly handles a process crash. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could delete a targeted file leading to an elevated status.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and take control of an affected system.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows Error Reporting manager handles process crashes.</p>

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16895?
<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows Error Reporting manager improperly handles a process crash. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could delete a targeted file leading to an elevated status.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and take control of an affected system.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows Error Reporting manager handles process crashes.</p>
How severe is CVE-2020-16895?
CVE-2020-16895 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-2020-16895 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (59th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16895?
CVE-2020-16895 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 9 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16895?
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-2020-16895 published?
CVE-2020-16895 was published on 2020-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (9)

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