CVE-2020-0688KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Exchange Server Validation Key Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published February 11, 2020

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 100.0th percentile for exploit probability.

1634
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
100%
Percentile
100.0
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 This vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange lets attackers execute code remotely with a simple twist of memory — like a chef adding mystery ingredients to a dish without checking the recipe! 🔥 Imagine a restaurant where the head chef takes orders but doesn't double-check the ingredients before cooking. If a sneaky waiter slips in some unexpected items, it could lead to an absolutely disastrous meal — similarly, this flaw allows harmful code to run without proper oversight. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to run arbitrary code on your Exchange server, potentially gaining complete control. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or even complete system compromise — a nightmare scenario for any organization!

Put simply

Imagine a restaurant where the head chef takes orders but doesn't double-check the ingredients before cooking. If a sneaky waiter slips in some unexpected items, it could lead to an absolutely disastrous meal — similarly, this flaw allows harmful code to run without proper oversight. This remote code execution vulnerability arises from improper handling of objects in memory within Microsoft Exchange software. When exploited, it allows attackers to execute malicious code and manipulate server functions.

What to do

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to run arbitrary code on your Exchange server, potentially gaining complete control. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or even complete system compromise — a nightmare scenario for any organization! To mitigate this threat, apply the latest security patches from Microsoft immediately. Ensure your Exchange servers are updated to the latest version and regularly audit your systems for any signs of compromise. Don't let this vulnerability linger! You've got this! By taking action now, you can fortify your defenses and protect your organization from this threat. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.99962 · 100.0th percentile
Published
2020-02-11T21:22Z
KEV added
2021-11-03 · due 2022-05-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by May 3
    kev
  • 11 FEB 21:22Z
    A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft…
    cvelistv5