CVE-2020-16921

CVE-2020-16921 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 in Text Services Framework when it fails to properly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could potentially read data that was not intended to be disclosed. Note that this vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate their 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>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to log on to an affected system and open a specially crafted file.</p> <p>The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Text Services Framework handles objects in memory.</p>

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16921?
<p>An information disclosure vulnerability exists in Text Services Framework when it fails to properly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could potentially read data that was not intended to be disclosed. Note that this vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate their 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>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to log on to an affected system and open a specially crafted file.</p> <p>The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Text Services Framework handles objects in memory.</p>
How severe is CVE-2020-16921?
CVE-2020-16921 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-2020-16921 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-2020-16921?
CVE-2020-16921 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-2020-16921?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2020-16921 published?
CVE-2020-16921 was published on 2020-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (10)

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