PatchTheCVECVE-2020-0787: Microsoft Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) Improper Privilege Management Vulnerability
CVE-2020-0787 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting windows 10 1507, windows 10 1607, windows 10 1709, reported as exploited in the wild. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) improperly handles symbolic links, aka 'Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
Why this priority
- High severity
- EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
- Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Used in ransomware campaigns
- Public exploit reference
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | Required |
| EPSS exploit chance | 42.5% (top 1%) |
| CISA exploited list | Yes, fix due 2022-07-28, used in ransomware |
| Weakness | CWE-59 |
| Published | 2020-03-12 |
| Last modified | 2026-08-12 |
Last updated 2026-08-12 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Exploited Added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list
- Deadline CISA due date for US federal agencies to patch
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- GitHub PoC: cbwang505/CVE-2020-0787-EXP-ALL-WINDOWS-VERSION (721 stars)
- GitHub PoC: yanghaoi/CVE-2020-0787 (34 stars)
- Metasploit: Background Intelligent Transfer Service Arbitrary File Move Privilege Elevation Vulnerability
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2020-0787?
windows 10 1507: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; windows 10 1607: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; windows 10 1709: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-0787 being exploited?
Yes. CVE-2020-0787 is on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list, so treat it as patch-now.
What does CVE-2020-0787 affect?
CVE-2020-0787 affects windows 10 1507, windows 10 1607, windows 10 1709. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) improperly handles symbolic links, aka 'Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
How urgent is CVE-2020-0787?
Priority 92/100. High severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV); Used in ransomware campaigns; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist
Software pages
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