IRONSMITHINTEL
CRITICALCVSS9.0
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2020-1040|Auth: low — authenticated user|Reboot: required|Manual only

Microsoft Hyper-V RemoteFX vGPU Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Microsoft Hyper-V RemoteFX vGPU contains an improper input validation vulnerability due to the host server failing to properly validate input from an authenticated user on a guest operating system. Successful exploitation allows for remote code execution on the host operating system.

Published Jul 14, 2020 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

An attacker, with a low-privilege account, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2022-05-03 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Improper Input Validation (CWE-20) vulnerability in Microsoft Hyper-V RemoteFX. A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Hyper-V RemoteFX vGPU on a host server fails to properly validate input from an authenticated user on a guest operating system, aka 'Hyper-V RemoteFX vGPU Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1032, CVE-2020-1036, CVE-2020-1041, CVE-2020-1042, CVE-2020-1043. Exploitation requires adjacent_network access, low attack complexity, a low-privilege authenticated account, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running windows server 2008: r2; windows server 2012: -, r2; windows server 2016: -
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2021-11-03 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2022-05-03.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1040
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1040
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-1040
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