Windows Defender
CVE-2020-1170
HIGH
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A01:2025 - Broken Access Control
ASVS 5.0
V13 - Configuration Permission assignment review
|
| Impact | CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). Attack characteristics: local attack vector, low complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction not required. Public proof-of-concept exploit code is available. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | A local attacker with access to the system could access resources due to misconfigured permissions. |
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Alert meAnalysisAI
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Defender that leads arbitrary file deletion on the system.To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
RemediationAI
A vendor patch is available. Apply the latest security update as soon as possible. Review and restrict file/resource permissions, apply principle of least privilege.
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Technical ContextAI · show details
This vulnerability is classified as Incorrect Permission Assignment (CWE-732), which allows attackers to access resources due to misconfigured permissions. An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Defender that leads arbitrary file deletion on the system.To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system, aka 'Microsoft Windows Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1163. Affected products include: Microsoft Windows Defender, Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010, Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection.
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Severity by source
AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
DescriptionNVD
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Defender that leads arbitrary file deletion on the system.To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system, aka 'Microsoft Windows Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1163.
Threat Intelligence Overview
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Attack Technique
Information disclosure occurs when an application unintentionally exposes sensitive data that aids attackers in reconnaissance or directly compromises security.
Affected Products (CPE)NVD
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GitHub PoC
Exploit-DB