CVE-2020-0683
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Microsoft Windows Installer contains a privilege escalation vulnerability when MSI packages process symbolic links, which allows attackers to bypass access restrictions to add or remove files.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Installer Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Installer contains a privilege escalation vulnerability when MSI packages process symbolic links, which allows attackers to bypass access restrictions to add or remove files.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Installer. Attackers can exploit how MSI packages process symbolic links to bypass access restrictions and add or remove files. The high EPSS score of 0.32732 and its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog indicate a significant and confirmed exploitation risk.
This vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its active use by threat actors. This type of flaw typically requires local access but can be chained with other vulnerabilities for broader impact.
Users should ensure that Microsoft Windows is updated with the latest security patches. Implement least privilege principles to limit the impact of successful exploitation.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-0683 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2020-0683 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-0683 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1