CVE-2020-16273

Name: CVE-2020-16273
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-11-12T19:15:14.583+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.34%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-16273 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. In Arm software implementing the Armv8-M processors (all versions), the stack selection mechanism could be influenced by a stack-underflow attack in v8-M TrustZone based processors. An attacker can cause a change to the stack pointer used by the Secure World from a non-secure application if the stack is not initialized. EPSS estimates a 0.34% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In Arm software implementing the Armv8-M processors (all versions), the stack selection mechanism could be influenced by a stack-underflow attack in v8-M TrustZone based processors. An attacker can cause a change to the stack pointer used by the Secure World from a non-secure application if the stack is not initialized. This vulnerability affects only the software that is based on Armv8-M processors with the Security Extension.

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

0.34%

25.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-191

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Arm	Armv8-M Firmware	All versions

References

https://developer.arm.com/support/arm-security-updates/armv8-m-stack-sealingVendor Advisory
https://developer.arm.com/support/arm-security-updates/armv8-m-stack-sealingVendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 12, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-16273?

How severe is CVE-2020-16273?

CVE-2020-16273 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.34% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16273?

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-2020-16273?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST