CVE-2020-0638VulnerabilityPublished 05/23/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2020-0638: Microsoft Update Notification Manager Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Affects Microsoft Update Notification ManagerSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 05/23/2022
KEV deadline: 06/13/2022
Ransomware: Used in ransomware campaigns
EPSS: 2.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 83% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0638 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2020-0638 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Microsoft Update Notification Manager. It allows attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability has been exploited in the wild and is associated with known ransomware campaigns. No specific affected versions or patch information is provided in the available data.

Summary

Microsoft Update Notification Manager contains an unspecified vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0638 that enables privilege escalation. This vulnerability has been observed in active exploitation scenarios, including ransomware campaigns. The lack of detailed technical information or version specifics limits precise analysis, but the threat is confirmed by CISA KEV and associated with real-world attacks.

Impact

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to escalate privileges on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized administrative control. This can facilitate further malicious activities such as ransomware deployment, data compromise, or system disruption.

Mitigation

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Due to the known exploitation in the wild, organizations should monitor official Microsoft advisories for updates and apply any available patches promptly once released.

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 11:41:15 UTC

References

Related threats