CVE-2020-1472
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Microsoft's Netlogon Remote Protocol (MS-NRPC) contains a privilege escalation vulnerability when an attacker establishes a vulnerable Netlogon secure channel connection to a domain controller. An attacker who successfully exploits the vulnerability could run a specially crafted application on a device on the network. The vulnerability is also known under the moniker of Zerologon.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Netlogon Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft's Netlogon Remote Protocol (MS-NRPC) contains a privilege escalation vulnerability when an attacker establishes a vulnerable Netlogon secure channel connection to a domain controller. An attacker who successfully exploits the vulnerability could run a specially crafted application on a device on the network. The vulnerability is also known under the moniker of Zerologon.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
Microsoft's Netlogon Remote Protocol (MS-NRPC) has a privilege escalation vulnerability, also known as Zerologon, allowing an attacker to run a specially crafted application on a network device. The very high EPSS score of 0.94380 indicates a strong likelihood of exploitation, making this a critical vulnerability for domain controllers.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its use by adversaries. The flaw involves establishing a vulnerable Netlogon secure channel, suggesting remote exploitability within a network.
Apply the security updates for Microsoft's Netlogon Remote Protocol to address the Zerologon vulnerability. Ensure that all domain controllers are patched and enforce secure Netlogon channel connections.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-1472 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-2020-1472 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
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-1472 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