CVE-2020-16897

CVE-2020-16897 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

<p>An information disclosure vulnerability exists when NetBIOS over TCP (NBT) Extensions (NetBT) improperly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could obtain information to further compromise the user’s system.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have run a specially crafted application. The vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate user rights directly, but it could be used to obtain information that could be used to try to further compromise the affected system.</p> <p>The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how a NetBT handles objects in memory.</p>

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16897?
<p>An information disclosure vulnerability exists when NetBIOS over TCP (NBT) Extensions (NetBT) improperly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could obtain information to further compromise the user’s system.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have run a specially crafted application. The vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate user rights directly, but it could be used to obtain information that could be used to try to further compromise the affected system.</p> <p>The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how a NetBT handles objects in memory.</p>
How severe is CVE-2020-16897?
CVE-2020-16897 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2020-16897 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (65th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16897?
CVE-2020-16897 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 23 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16897?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2020-16897 published?
CVE-2020-16897 was published on 2020-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (23)

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