p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows User Profile Service (ProfSvc) improperly handles junction points. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could delete files and folders in an elevated context.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and delete files or folders of their choosing.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows User Profile Service handles junction points.</p>
| Link | Resource |
|---|---|
| https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16940 | Patch Vendor Advisory |
| https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-1248/ | Third Party Advisory |
| https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16940 | Patch Vendor Advisory |
| https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-1248/ | Third Party Advisory |
Configuration 1 (hide)
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23 Feb 2026, 18:21
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | (en) <p>An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows User Profile Service (ProfSvc) improperly handles junction points. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could delete files and folders in an elevated context.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and delete files or folders of their choosing.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows User Profile Service handles junction points.</p> |
21 Nov 2024, 05:07
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| References | () https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16940 - Patch, Vendor Advisory | |
| References | () https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-1248/ - Third Party Advisory |
Published : 2020-10-16 23:15
Updated : 2026-02-23 18:21
NVD link : CVE-2020-16940
Mitre link : CVE-2020-16940
CVE.ORG link : CVE-2020-16940
JSON object : View
Improper Privilege Management