CVE-2020-0981

Name: CVE-2020-0981
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-04-15T15:15:18.84+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 1.24%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-0981 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A security feature bypass vulnerability exists when Windows fails to properly handle token relationships.An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could allow an application with a certain integrity level to execute code at a different integrity level, leading to a sandbox escape.The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows handles token relationships, aka 'Windows Token Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability'.. EPSS estimates a 1.24% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A security feature bypass vulnerability exists when Windows fails to properly handle token relationships.An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could allow an application with a certain integrity level to execute code at a different integrity level, leading to a sandbox escape.The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows handles token relationships, aka 'Windows Token Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability'.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.24%

65.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-863

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Windows 10	1903
Microsoft	Windows 10	1909
Microsoft	Windows Server 2016	1903
Microsoft	Windows Server 2016	1909

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157248/Microsoft-Windows-NtFilterToken-ParentTokenId-Incorrect-Setting-Privilege-Escalation.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0981Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157248/Microsoft-Windows-NtFilterToken-ParentTokenId-Incorrect-Setting-Privilege-Escalation.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0981Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Apr 15, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-0981?

How severe is CVE-2020-0981?

CVE-2020-0981 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.24% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0981?

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-2020-0981?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST