CVE-2020-0601

Name: CVE-2020-0601
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-01-14T23:15:30.207+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.1/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 89.44%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-0601 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.1/10 on the CVSS scale. A spoofing vulnerability exists in the way Windows CryptoAPI (Crypt32.dll) validates Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) certificates.An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by using a spoofed code-signing certificate to sign a malicious executable, making it appear the file was from a trusted, legitimate source, aka 'Windows CryptoAPI Spoofing Vulnerability'.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 89.44% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A spoofing vulnerability exists in the way Windows CryptoAPI (Crypt32.dll) validates Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) certificates.An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by using a spoofed code-signing certificate to sign a malicious executable, making it appear the file was from a trusted, legitimate source, aka 'Windows CryptoAPI Spoofing Vulnerability'.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

EPSS Probability

89.44%

99.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by May 3, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1507	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1607	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1709	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1803	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1809	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1903	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1909	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 1803	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 1903	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 1909	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 2016	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 2019	All versions
Golang	Go	>= 1.12, < 1.12.16
Golang	Go	>= 1.13, < 1.13.7

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155960/CurveBall-Microsoft-Windows-CryptoAPI-Spoofing-Proof-Of-Concept.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155961/CurveBall-Microsoft-Windows-CryptoAPI-Spoofing-Proof-Of-Concept.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0601Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155960/CurveBall-Microsoft-Windows-CryptoAPI-Spoofing-Proof-Of-Concept.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155961/CurveBall-Microsoft-Windows-CryptoAPI-Spoofing-Proof-Of-Concept.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0601Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-0601US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Jan 14, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-0601?

How severe is CVE-2020-0601?

CVE-2020-0601 has a CVSS score of 8.1/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 89.44% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0601?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-0601?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST