Executive Summary

CVE-2020-1021 is an elevation‑of‑privilege flaw in Windows Error Reporting (WER). When WER processes and executes files, a specially crafted application can trigger the vulnerability, allowing an attacker to gain higher privileges and access sensitive data or system functions. The Microsoft security update corrects WER’s file handling to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability is not currently listed in the CISA KEV.

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Authoritative CVE Metadata - CVSS Base Score: 7.8 (HIGH) - Published: 2020-05-21T23:15:11.557 - Last Modified: 2026-08-19T17:17:08.393

Original Description: An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Error Reporting (WER) when WER handles and executes files. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker can successfully exploit it. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain greater access to sensitive information and system functionality. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker could run a specially crafted application. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that WER handles and executes files.

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