CVE-2020-1048

Name: CVE-2020-1048
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-05-21T23:15:11.93+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 16.50%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-1048 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly allows arbitrary writing to the file system, aka 'Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1070.. EPSS estimates a 16.50% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly allows arbitrary writing to the file system, aka 'Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1070.

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

16.50%

96.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-669

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Windows 10	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1607	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1709	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1803	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1809	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1903	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1909	—
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows 8.1	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Rt 8.1	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 2016	1803	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2016	1903	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2016	1909	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2019	All versions	—

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158222/Windows-Print-Spooler-Privilege-Escalation.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159217/Microsoft-Spooler-Local-Privilege-Elevation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1048Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158222/Windows-Print-Spooler-Privilege-Escalation.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159217/Microsoft-Spooler-Local-Privilege-Elevation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1048Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: May 21, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-1048?

How severe is CVE-2020-1048?

CVE-2020-1048 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 16.50% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-1048?

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-2020-1048?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST