CVE-2020-0986

Name: CVE-2020-0986
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-06-09T20:15:12.177+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 15.93%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-0986 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1237, CVE-2020-1246, CVE-2020-1262, CVE-2020-1264, CVE-2020-1266, CVE-2020-1269, CVE-2020-1273, CVE-2020-1274, CVE-2020-1275, CVE-2020-1276, CVE-2020-1307, CVE-2020-1316.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 15.93% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1237, CVE-2020-1246, CVE-2020-1262, CVE-2020-1264, CVE-2020-1266, CVE-2020-1269, CVE-2020-1273, CVE-2020-1274, CVE-2020-1275, CVE-2020-1276, CVE-2020-1307, CVE-2020-1316.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

15.93%

96.5th 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 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 10 2004	All versions
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 2004	All versions
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/160698/Microsoft-Windows-splWOW64-Privilege-Escalation.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0986Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160698/Microsoft-Windows-splWOW64-Privilege-Escalation.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0986Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-0986US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Jun 9, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-0986?

How severe is CVE-2020-0986?

CVE-2020-0986 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 15.93% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0986?

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-2020-0986?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST