CVE-2020-0638
HighExploitedPublic exploitAn elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way the Update Notification Manager handles files.To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system, aka 'Update Notification Manager Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Published Jan 14, 2020 · Updated Aug 12, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-0638 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1803 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1809 (Microsoft) and 16 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 24, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 2.4% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
2.4%
Higher than 83.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-0638 brief as a PDF
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Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way the Update Notification Manager handles files.To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system, aka 'Update Notification Manager Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 23, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 24, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | May 23, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | May 23, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
27 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1709Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1803Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1809Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1903Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1909Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 14, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 24, 2022
Added to CISA KEV
May 23, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 23, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 23, 2022
Last updated
Aug 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way the Update Notification Manager handles files.To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system, aka 'Update Notification Manager Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Affected: Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1803 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1809 (Microsoft), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 24, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on May 23, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 13, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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