How severe is CVE-2020-16970?

CVE-2020-16970 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-16970 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (69th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-16970?

CVE-2020-16970 affects Microsoft Azure Sphere. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16970?

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-2020-16970 published?

CVE-2020-16970 was published on 2020-11-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-16970

CVE-2020-16970 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Azure Sphere with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-415.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (69th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-415
Affected product: Microsoft Azure Sphere
Published: 2020-11-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Azure Sphere Unsigned Code Execution Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16970?: Azure Sphere Unsigned Code Execution Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2020-16970?: CVE-2020-16970 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-16970 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (69th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16970?: CVE-2020-16970 affects Microsoft Azure Sphere. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16970?: 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-2020-16970 published?: CVE-2020-16970 was published on 2020-11-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:azure_sphere:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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