7.8

CVE-2020-17087: Microsoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVSS: 7.8v3.1HighKEVAnalyzed
Published 11-11-2020Last modified 21-10-2025
Open JSON

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2020-17087 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Incorrect Calculation of Buffer Size vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-11-2021. EPSS estimates a 5.43% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 92.6% of scored vulnerabilities.

Overall risk
85/100
0100
Critical · default modelHow is this calculated?
CVSS score
7.8/10
010
High · v3.1 (CVE.org)
EPSS score
5.43%
0%100%
Low · 0.00 pp in 30 days
KEVListedCISA
RansomwareNone recordedNo known use recorded
Public exploits0No public exploits recorded

Timeline

  1. 11-11-2020
    PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
  2. 03-11-2021
    Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
  3. 03-05-2022
    CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
  4. 21-10-2025
    Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

Windows Kernel Local Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

CVSS metrics

3 scores · 2 sources · 2 versions

EPSS trend

Probability

5.43%

Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days

Percentile

93%

Versus all other CVEs

30-day change

0.00 pp

From 5.43% on 19-09-2026

19-09-202619-10-2026
EPSS score
5.43%

Known exploited

Compare KEV catalogs
CISA KEVListed
Added
03-11-2021
Federal due date
03-05-2022

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions. nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-17087

Public exploits

0 found

No public exploits indexed.

Weaknesses

CWE · root cause

Affected systems

Microsoft40 products

1 vendor · 40 products

References

2 links