CVE-2020-16952
HighPublic exploitA remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SharePoint when the software fails to check the source markup of an application package.
Published Oct 16, 2020 · Updated Feb 23, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-16952 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Sharepoint Enterprise Server (Microsoft), Sharepoint Foundation (Microsoft), Sharepoint Server (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 71% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Sharepoint Foundation publication, Sharepoint Server publication.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
71%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SharePoint when the software fails to check the source markup of an application package. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the SharePoint application pool and the SharePoint server farm account.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires that a user uploads a specially crafted SharePoint application package to an affected version of SharePoint.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how SharePoint checks the source markup of application packages.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Sharepoint Enterprise ServerMicrosoft | 2016 | n/a |
| Sharepoint FoundationMicrosoft | 2013-sp1 | publication |
| Sharepoint ServerMicrosoft | 2016, 2019 | publication |
Patched Releases
Sharepoint Foundation
publication
Sharepoint Server
publication
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 16, 2020
Last updated
Feb 23, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-346 Origin Validation Error
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft SharePoint when the software fails to check the source markup of an application package.
Affected: Sharepoint Enterprise Server (Microsoft) versions 2016; Sharepoint Foundation (Microsoft) versions 2013-sp1; Sharepoint Server (Microsoft) versions 2016, 2019. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Sharepoint Foundation publication, Sharepoint Server publication.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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