What is CVE-2020-16927?

A denial of service vulnerability exists in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) when an attacker connects to the target system using RDP and sends specially crafted requests. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the RDP service on the target system to stop responding. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to run a specially crafted application against a server which provides Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how RDP handles connection requests.

How severe is CVE-2020-16927?

CVE-2020-16927 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-16927 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (92nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-16927?

CVE-2020-16927 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16927?

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-2020-16927 published?

CVE-2020-16927 was published on 2020-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-16927

CVE-2020-16927 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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 7.5)
CVSS v2: 7.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (92nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2020-10-16
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A denial of service vulnerability exists in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) when an attacker connects to the target system using RDP and sends specially crafted requests. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the RDP service on the target system to stop responding. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to run a specially crafted application against a server which provides Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how RDP handles connection requests.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16927?: A denial of service vulnerability exists in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) when an attacker connects to the target system using RDP and sends specially crafted requests. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the RDP service on the target system to stop responding. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to run a specially crafted application against a server which provides Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how RDP handles connection requests.
How severe is CVE-2020-16927?: CVE-2020-16927 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-16927 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (92nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16927?: CVE-2020-16927 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16927?: 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-2020-16927 published?: CVE-2020-16927 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-2020-16927

Affected products (16)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1607:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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_8.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_rt_8.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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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