CVE-2020-1054
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory. An…
Browse: All 2020 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 7.0 High
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2021-11-03, remediation due 2022-05-03)
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-787
- Published
- 2020-05-21
- Last modified
- 2026-08-19
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
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. 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. The update addresses this vulnerability by correcting how the Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory.
Affected products
- microsoft windows 10 1507
- microsoft windows 10 1607
- microsoft windows 10 1709
- microsoft windows 10 1803
- microsoft windows 10 1809
- microsoft windows 10 1903
- microsoft windows 10 1909
- microsoft windows 7
- microsoft windows 8.1
- microsoft windows rt 8.1
- microsoft windows server 1803
- microsoft windows server 1903
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2022-05-03.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.
References
- https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2020-1054
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160515/Microsoft-Windows-DrawIconEx-Local-Privilege-Escalation.html
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1054
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-1054
FAQ
Is CVE-2020-1054 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2020-1054 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2021-11-03, with a federal remediation deadline of 2022-05-03. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-1054?
CVE-2020-1054 has a CVSS base score of 7.0 (High). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2016-0165 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2023-29336 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2015-2360 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2018-8589 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2014-4113 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2021-41357 — Microsoft Win32k
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
kev brief
Patch what's actually being exploited.
Subscribe and get the KEV Patch Priority Playbook, free, in your inbox now.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Delivered by Beehiiv.