How severe is CVE-2020-8739?

CVE-2020-8739 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-2020-8739 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-8739?

CVE-2020-8739 primarily affects Intel Bios. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-8739?

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-2020-8739 published?

CVE-2020-8739 was published on 2020-11-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-8739

CVE-2020-8739 is a high-severity vulnerability in Intel Bios 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.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (33rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Intel Bios
Published: 2020-11-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Use of potentially dangerous function in Intel BIOS platform sample code for some Intel(R) Processors may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-8739?: Use of potentially dangerous function in Intel BIOS platform sample code for some Intel(R) Processors may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
How severe is CVE-2020-8739?: CVE-2020-8739 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-2020-8739 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-8739?: CVE-2020-8739 primarily affects Intel Bios. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-8739?: 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-2020-8739 published?: CVE-2020-8739 was published on 2020-11-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:o:intel:bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:aff_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:fas_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:hci_compute_node_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:hci_storage_node_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:solidfire_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Intel Bios

CVE-2019-14557 — High (CVSS 8.0): Buffer overflow in BIOS firmware for 8th, 9th, 10th Generation Intel(R) Core(TM), Intel(R) Celeron(R) Processor 4000 &…
CVE-2020-12360 — High (CVSS 7.8): Out of bounds read in the firmware for some Intel(R) Processors may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable…
CVE-2020-8672 — High (CVSS 7.8): Out of bound read in BIOS firmware for 8th, 9th Generation Intel(R) Core(TM), Intel(R) Celeron(R) Processor 4000 Series…
CVE-2018-3612 — High (CVSS 7.8): Intel NUC kits with insufficient input validation in system firmware, potentially allows a local attacker to elevate…
CVE-2008-7096 — Medium (CVSS 6.9): Intel Desktop and Intel Mobile Boards with BIOS firmware DQ35JO, DQ35MP, DP35DP, DG33FB, DG33BU, DG33TL, MGM965TW,…
CVE-2020-12359 — Medium (CVSS 6.8): Insufficient control flow management in the firmware for some Intel(R) Processors may allow an unauthenticated user to…

All CVEs affecting Intel Bios →