CVE-2020-16913: Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Published Oct 16, 2020
·
Updated

<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and take control of an affected system.</p> <p>The update addresses this vulnerability by correcting how the Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory.</p>

Other sources

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-16907.

Affected Software

10 affected components
Microsoft Windows 10=1709
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1903
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 10=2004
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1903
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1909
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=2004
Microsoft Windows Server 2019

Event History

Oct 16, 2020
CVE Published
10:17 PM
Data Sourced
10:17 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2020-16913?

CVE-2020-16913 has a severity rating of important as it allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode.

2

How do I fix CVE-2020-16913?

To fix CVE-2020-16913, you should apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for the affected Windows versions.

3

Which Windows versions are affected by CVE-2020-16913?

CVE-2020-16913 affects multiple versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server, specifically 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, and 2004.

4

What can an attacker do by exploiting CVE-2020-16913?

An attacker exploiting CVE-2020-16913 can gain elevated privileges to run arbitrary code in kernel mode.

5

Is CVE-2020-16913 being actively exploited?

As of now, there is no public evidence that CVE-2020-16913 is being actively exploited, but it is crucial to apply patches as a precaution.

Contact

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