CVE-2020-0787

Name: CVE-2020-0787
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-03-12T16:15:15.203+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 42.52%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-0787 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) improperly handles symbolic links, aka 'Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 42.52% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) improperly handles symbolic links, aka 'Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

42.52%

98.5th 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 Jul 28, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
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 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows 8.1	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Rt 8.1	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 1803	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 1903	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 1909	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	r2	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Server 2012	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2012	r2	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2016	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2019	All versions	—

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158056/Background-Intelligent-Transfer-Service-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0787Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158056/Background-Intelligent-Transfer-Service-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0787Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-0787US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Mar 12, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-0787?

How severe is CVE-2020-0787?

CVE-2020-0787 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 42.52% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0787?

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-2020-0787?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST