What is CVE-2020-16898?

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows TCP/IP stack improperly handles ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the ability to execute code on the target server or client. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to send specially crafted ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets to a remote Windows computer. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows TCP/IP stack handles ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets.

How severe is CVE-2020-16898?

CVE-2020-16898 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over an adjacent network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-16898 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 10% (95th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-16898?

CVE-2020-16898 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16898?

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-2020-16898 published?

CVE-2020-16898 was published on 2020-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-16898

CVE-2020-16898 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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 8.8)
CVSS v2: 5.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 10% (95th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2020-10-16
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows TCP/IP stack improperly handles ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the ability to execute code on the target server or client. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to send specially crafted ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets to a remote Windows computer. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows TCP/IP stack handles ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16898?: A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows TCP/IP stack improperly handles ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the ability to execute code on the target server or client. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to send specially crafted ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets to a remote Windows computer. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows TCP/IP stack handles ICMPv6 Router Advertisement packets.
How severe is CVE-2020-16898?: CVE-2020-16898 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over an adjacent network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-16898 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 10% (95th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16898?: CVE-2020-16898 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16898?: 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-2020-16898 published?: CVE-2020-16898 was published on 2020-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16898

Affected products (10)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1709:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:1903:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:1909:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:2004:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2019:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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