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CVE-2020-1054

KEVMicrosoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Microsoft Win32k contains a privilege escalation vulnerability when the Windows kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute code in kernel mode.

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.

CVSS 3.1 vectorCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
PublishedMay 21, 2020
Last modifiedOct 8, 2026
Added to KEVNov 3, 2021
Remediation dueMay 3, 2022
    70
    Risk assessment · High

    Actively exploited. Patch immediately.

    Exploitation
    Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
    Federal remediation deadline
    Overdue by 1637 days
    CVSS
    7.0 HIGH
    EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
    53.9% · top 1% of all CVEs
    Weakness
    CWE-787
    1. 1.Apply updates per vendor instructions.
    2. 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
    3. 3.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.

    Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.