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CVE-2020-1021

7.8 · HIGH

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Error Reporting (WER) when WER handles and executes files.

Published May 21, 2020CWE-362EPSS 0.95%

Overview

CVE-2020-1021 is a high-severity vulnerability. It was published on May 21, 2020 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH).

This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.

Technical description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Error Reporting (WER) when WER handles and executes files. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker can successfully exploit it.

An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain greater access to sensitive information and system functionality. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker could run a specially crafted application.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that WER handles and executes files.

Remediation

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

References

Refmsrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2020-1021Refpacketstormsecurity.com/files/158028/Microsoft-Windows-Privilege-Escalation-Code-Execution.htmlRefportal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1021

How CyberStrike helps

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-1021?

CVE-2020-1021 is a high-severity vulnerability. It was published on May 21, 2020 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH).

How severe is CVE-2020-1021?

This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.

How do I fix or remediate CVE-2020-1021?

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2020-1021?

CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2020-1021 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.

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