CVE-2020-16933

What it is

<p>A security feature bypass vulnerability exists in Microsoft Word software when it fails to properly handle .LNK files. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could use a specially crafted file to perform actions in the security context of the current user. For example, the file could then take actions on behalf of the logged-on user with the same permissions as the current user.</p> <p>To exploit the vulnerability, a user must open a specially crafted file with an affected version of Microsoft Word software. In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending the specially crafted file to the user and convincing the user to open the file. In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a website (or leverage a compromised website that accepts or hosts user-provided content) that contains a specially crafted file that is designed to exploit the vulnerability. However, an attacker would have no way to force the user to visit the website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince the user to click a link, typically by way of an enticement in an email or Instant Messenger message, and then convince the user to open the specially crafted file.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Word handles these files.</p>

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

2.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2020-10-16 23:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:58 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.0 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-10-16 23:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:58 UTC

Exploit probability

2.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Microsoft Windows 10
• Microsoft Windows 10 1607
• Microsoft Windows 10 1709
• Microsoft Windows 10 1803
• Microsoft Windows 10 1809
• Microsoft Windows 10 1903
• Microsoft Windows 10 1909
• Microsoft Windows 10 2004

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.0

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2020-16933.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-16933. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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