CVE-2020-16874: A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio when it improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited ...

Description

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio when it improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would have to convince a user to open a specially crafted file with an affected version of Visual Studio. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Visual Studio handles objects in memory.

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

4.29%

89.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Visual Studio	2012	Update 5
Microsoft	Visual Studio	2013	Update 5
Microsoft	Visual Studio	2015	Update 3
Microsoft	Visual Studio 2017	>= 15.0, <= 15.8	—
Microsoft	Visual Studio 2019	>= 16.0, <= 16.3	—
Microsoft	Visual Studio 2019	>= 16.5, <= 16.6	—

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16874Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16874Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Sep 11, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-16874?

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio when it improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would have to convince a user to open a specially crafted file with an affected version of Visual Studio. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Visual Studio handles objects in memory.

How severe is CVE-2020-16874?

CVE-2020-16874 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 4.29% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16874?

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.