CVE-2020-0688
HighExploitedPublic exploitA remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft Exchange Memory Corruption Vulnerability'.
Published Feb 11, 2020 · Updated Oct 29, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-0688 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Exchange Server (Microsoft), Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 3 Update Rollup 30, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 4 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 10, 2020 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% 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
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
100%
Higher than 99.9% 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
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Description
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft Exchange Memory Corruption Vulnerability'.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 10, 2020 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
12 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange ServerMicrosoft | 2010-sp3_rollup_30, 2013-cumulative_update_23, 2016-cumulative_update_14, 2016-cumulative_update_15, 2019-cumulative_update_3, 2019-cumulative_update_4 | n/a |
| Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 3 Update Rollup 30 | >= unspecified | n/a |
| Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 | >= Cumulative Update 23 | n/a |
| Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 14 | >= unspecified | n/a |
| Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 15 | >= unspecified | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 11, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 10, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Oct 29, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-287 Improper Authentication
References
- advisoryhttps://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-258/
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0688
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/156592/Microsoft-Exchange-2019-15.2.221.12-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/156620/Exchange-Control-Panel-Viewstate-Deserialization.html
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft Exchange Memory Corruption Vulnerability'.
Affected: Exchange Server (Microsoft) versions 2010-sp3_rollup_30, 2013-cumulative_update_23, 2016-cumulative_update_14, 2016-cumulative_update_15, 2019-cumulative_update_3, 2019-cumulative_update_4; Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 3 Update Rollup 30 versions >= unspecified; Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 versions >= Cumulative Update 23, 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 10, 2020 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 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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