CVE-2020-16952

CVE-2020-16952 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Sharepoint Enterprise Server with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 71% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-346.

Key facts

Description

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SharePoint when the software fails to check the source markup of an application package. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the SharePoint application pool and the SharePoint server farm account.</p> <p>Exploitation of this vulnerability requires that a user uploads a specially crafted SharePoint application package to an affected version of SharePoint.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how SharePoint checks the source markup of application packages.</p>

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16952?
<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SharePoint when the software fails to check the source markup of an application package. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the SharePoint application pool and the SharePoint server farm account.</p> <p>Exploitation of this vulnerability requires that a user uploads a specially crafted SharePoint application package to an affected version of SharePoint.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how SharePoint checks the source markup of application packages.</p>
How severe is CVE-2020-16952?
CVE-2020-16952 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability low.
Is CVE-2020-16952 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 71% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16952?
CVE-2020-16952 primarily affects Microsoft Sharepoint Enterprise Server. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16952?
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-2020-16952 published?
CVE-2020-16952 was published on 2020-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

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