CVE-2020-16905

CVE-2020-16905 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Error Reporting (WER) when WER handles and executes files. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker can successfully exploit it.</p> <p>An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain greater access to sensitive information and system functionality. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker could run a specially crafted application.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that WER handles and executes files.</p>

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16905?
<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Error Reporting (WER) when WER handles and executes files. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker can successfully exploit it.</p> <p>An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain greater access to sensitive information and system functionality. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker could run a specially crafted application.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that WER handles and executes files.</p>
How severe is CVE-2020-16905?
CVE-2020-16905 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.8, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability low.
Is CVE-2020-16905 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (58th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16905?
CVE-2020-16905 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 13 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16905?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2020-16905 published?
CVE-2020-16905 was published on 2020-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (13)

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