CVE-2020-16940

7.8 HIGH
Published: October 16, 2020 Modified: February 23, 2026
View on NVD

Description

<p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows User Profile Service (ProfSvc) improperly handles junction points. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could delete files and folders in an elevated context.</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 delete files or folders of their choosing.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows User Profile Service handles junction points.</p>

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CVSS v3.x Details

0.0 Low Medium High Critical 10.0
Vector String
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools

Patch Vendor Advisory Exploit Third Party Advisory
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-1248/
Source: secure@microsoft.com
Third Party Advisory
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16940
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Patch Vendor Advisory
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-1248/
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Third Party Advisory

4 reference(s) from NVD

Quick Stats

CVSS v3 Score
7.8 / 10.0
EPSS (Exploit Probability)
0.3%
55th percentile
Exploitation Status
Not in CISA KEV

Weaknesses (CWE)

Affected Vendors

microsoft