CVE-2020-16995

Name: CVE-2020-16995
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-10-16T23:15:17.29+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.97%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-16995 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Network Watcher Agent virtual machine extension for Linux. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute code with elevated privileges. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to be present as a user on the affected virtual machine. The security update addresses this vulnerability by correcting how Network Watcher Agent virtual machine extension for Linux executes with elevated privileges.. EPSS estimates a 0.97% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Network Watcher Agent virtual machine extension for Linux. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute code with elevated privileges. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to be present as a user on the affected virtual machine. The security update addresses this vulnerability by correcting how Network Watcher Agent virtual machine extension for Linux executes with elevated privileges.

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

0.97%

57.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Network Watcher Agent	All versions

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16995Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16995Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-16995?

How severe is CVE-2020-16995?

CVE-2020-16995 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.97% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16995?

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-2020-16995?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST