How severe is CVE-2020-5966?

CVE-2020-5966 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-5966 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-5966?

CVE-2020-5966 affects Nvidia Gpu Display Driver. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-5966?

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-2020-5966 published?

CVE-2020-5966 was published on 2020-06-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-5966

CVE-2020-5966 is a high-severity vulnerability in Nvidia Gpu Display Driver with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-476.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (30th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-476
Affected product: Nvidia Gpu Display Driver
Published: 2020-06-25
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, all versions, contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape, in which a NULL pointer is dereferenced, leading to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-5966?: NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, all versions, contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape, in which a NULL pointer is dereferenced, leading to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.
How severe is CVE-2020-5966?: CVE-2020-5966 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-5966 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-5966?: CVE-2020-5966 affects Nvidia Gpu Display Driver. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-5966?: 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-2020-5966 published?: CVE-2020-5966 was published on 2020-06-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5031

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:nvidia:gpu_display_driver:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*

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