CVE-2020-16944: This vulnerability is caused when SharePoint Server does not properly sanitize a specially crafted request to an affected SharePoint server. <p...

Description

This vulnerability is caused when SharePoint Server does not properly sanitize a specially crafted request to an affected SharePoint server. An authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to an affected SharePoint server. The attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could then perform cross-site scripting attacks on affected systems and run script in the security context of the current user. These attacks could allow the attacker to read content that the attacker is not authorized to read, use the victim's identity to take actions on the SharePoint site on behalf of the victim, such as change permissions, delete content, steal sensitive information (such as browser cookies) and inject malicious content in the browser of the victim. For this vulnerability to be exploited, a user must click a specially crafted URL that takes the user to a targeted SharePoint Web App site. In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending an email message containing the specially crafted URL to the user of the targeted SharePoint Web App site and convincing the user to click the specially crafted URL. In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a website that contains a specially crafted URL to the targeted SharePoint Web App site that is used to attempt to exploit these vulnerabilities. In addition, compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content could contain specially crafted content that could exploit the vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince them to visit the website, typically by getting them to click a link in an instant messenger or email message that takes them to the attacker's website, and then convince them to click the specially crafted URL. The security update addresses the vulnerability by helping to ensure that SharePoint Server properly sanitizes user web requests.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.7/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.50%

71.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-79

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Sharepoint Enterprise Server	2016	—
Microsoft	Sharepoint Foundation	2013	Sp1
Microsoft	Sharepoint Server	2019	—

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16944Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16944Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Oct 16, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-16944?

This vulnerability is caused when SharePoint Server does not properly sanitize a specially crafted request to an affected SharePoint server. An authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to an affected SharePoint server. The attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could then perform cross-site scripting attacks on affected systems and run script in the security context of the current user. These attacks could allow the attacker to read content that the attacker is not authorized to read, use the victim's identity to take actions on the SharePoint site on behalf of the victim, such as change permissions, delete content, steal sensitive information (such as browser cookies) and inject malicious content in the browser of the victim. For this vulnerability to be exploited, a user must click a specially crafted URL that takes the user to a targeted SharePoint Web App site. In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending an email message containing the specially crafted URL to the user of the targeted SharePoint Web App site and convincing the user to click the specially crafted URL. In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a website that contains a specially crafted URL to the targeted SharePoint Web App site that is used to attempt to exploit these vulnerabilities. In addition, compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content could contain specially crafted content that could exploit the vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince them to visit the website, typically by getting them to click a link in an instant messenger or email message that takes them to the attacker's website, and then convince them to click the specially crafted URL. The security update addresses the vulnerability by helping to ensure that SharePoint Server properly sanitizes user web requests.

How severe is CVE-2020-16944?

CVE-2020-16944 has a CVSS score of 8.7/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.50% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16944?

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.