CVE-2020-0787
Published: January 28, 2022
Official Description
Microsoft Windows BITS is vulnerable to to a privilege elevation vulnerability if it improperly handles symbolic links. An actor can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) Improper Privilege Management Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows BITS is vulnerable to to a privilege elevation vulnerability if it improperly handles symbolic links. An actor can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows BITS allows for privilege elevation. An attacker can exploit improper handling of symbolic links to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The high EPSS score and inclusion in CISA's KEV confirm active exploitation and a high likelihood of future attacks.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. The nature of the flaw suggests it can be exploited locally to gain higher privileges.
Apply all available security updates for Microsoft Windows to address this vulnerability. Ensure systems are regularly patched to prevent privilege escalation.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-0787 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-2020-0787 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-2020-0787 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