CVE-2020-14979: The WinRing0.sys and WinRing0x64.sys drivers 1.2.0 in EVGA Precision X1 through 1.0.6 allow local users, inclu

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HIGH 7.8UPGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-14979 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting precision x1, winring0. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The WinRing0.sys and WinRing0x64.sys drivers 1.2.0 in EVGA Precision X1 through 1.0.6 allow local users, including low integrity processes, to read and write to arbitrary memory locations. This allows any user to gain NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM privileges by mapping \Device\PhysicalMemory into the calling process.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 51%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2020-08-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: evga · winring0 project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-08-11 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

evga precision x1 UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.0.6

Fixed in: newer than 1.0.6

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy precision-x1 || rpm -q precision-x1 || precision-x1 --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.0.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade precision-x1

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade precision-x1

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

winring0 project winring0 DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy winring0 || rpm -q winring0 || winring0 --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison winring0 sudo apt install winring0=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.0> sudo apt-mark hold winring0

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list winring0 sudo dnf downgrade winring0-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add winring0

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
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-2020-14979?

precision x1: upgrade to newer than 1.0.6; winring0: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-14979 being exploited?

CVE-2020-14979 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2020-14979 affect?

CVE-2020-14979 affects precision x1, winring0. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The WinRing0.sys and WinRing0x64.sys drivers 1.2.0 in EVGA Precision X1 through 1.0.6 allow local users, including low integrity processes, to read and write to arbitrary memory locations. This allows any user to gain NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM pr

How urgent is CVE-2020-14979?

Priority 40/100. High severity

References

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