CVE-2020-16972

Windows Backup Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Backup Service improperly handles file operations. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application to elevate privileges. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows Backup Service handles file operations.

7.8

CVSS

Severity: High

CVSS 3.1 •

CVSS 2.0 •

EPSS 0.54%

Vendor Advisory microsoft.com

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1803

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server 2019

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1909

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server, version 1909 (Server Core installation)

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1709 for 32-bit Systems

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1709

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for 32-bit Systems

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for ARM64-based Systems

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server, version 1903 (Server Core installation)

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 2004

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server version 2004

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1507

Affected: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server 2016

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)

Affected: Microsoft Windows 7

Affected: Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1

Affected: Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation)

References

Link	Tags
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16972	patch vendor advisory

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2020-16972?: CVE-2020-16972 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2020-16972?: To fix CVE-2020-16972, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2020-16972 being actively exploited in the wild?: As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2020-16972 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~1% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2020-16972?: CVE-2020-16972 affects Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1803, Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, Microsoft Windows Server 2019, Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation), Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1909, Microsoft Windows Server, version 1909 (Server Core installation), Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1709 for 32-bit Systems, Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1709, Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for 32-bit Systems, Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems, Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for ARM64-based Systems, Microsoft Windows Server, version 1903 (Server Core installation), Microsoft Windows 10 Version 2004, Microsoft Windows Server version 2004, Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1507, Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607, Microsoft Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation), Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation).