CVE-2020-16875

Name: CVE-2020-16875
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-09-11T17:15:17.527+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.4/10EPSS 47.14%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-16875 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.4/10 on the CVSS scale. A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange server due to improper validation of cmdlet arguments. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the System user. Exploitation of the vulnerability requires an authenticated user in a certain Exchange role to be compromised. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Exchange handles cmdlet arguments.. EPSS estimates a 47.14% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange server due to improper validation of cmdlet arguments. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the System user. Exploitation of the vulnerability requires an authenticated user in a certain Exchange role to be compromised. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Exchange handles cmdlet arguments.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.4/10

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

EPSS Probability

47.14%

98.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Exchange Server	2016	Cumulative Update 16
Microsoft	Exchange Server	2019	Cumulative Update 5

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159210/Microsoft-Exchange-Server-DlpUtils-AddTenantDlpPolicy-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16875Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159210/Microsoft-Exchange-Server-DlpUtils-AddTenantDlpPolicy-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16875Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-16875?

How severe is CVE-2020-16875?

CVE-2020-16875 has a CVSS score of 8.4/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 47.14% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16875?

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-2020-16875?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST