Microsoft · Windows
CVE-2020-0601
Microsoft Windows CryptoAPI Spoofing Vulnerability
CISA KEV record
- CISA date added
- 2021-11-03
- CISA due date
- 2022-05-03
- Known ransomware use
- Unknown
NVD risk context
8.1 HIGH
CVSS is a technical severity score. CISA’s KEV status remains the evidence that this vulnerability is known to be exploited.
Description
Microsoft Windows CryptoAPI (Crypt32.dll) contains a spoofing vulnerability in the way it validates Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) certificates. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by using a spoofed code-signing certificate to sign a malicious executable, making it appear the file was from a trusted, legitimate source. A successful exploit could also allow the attacker to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks and decrypt confidential information on user connections to the affected software. The vulnerability is also known under the moniker of CurveBall.
Required action
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
NVD reference index
Vendor and remediation references
NVD has tagged these sources as vendor advisories, patches, mitigations, or release notes.
Other NVD references (3)
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155960/CurveBall-Microsoft-Windows-CryptoAPI-Spoofing-Proof-Of-Concept.html ↗
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155961/CurveBall-Microsoft-Windows-CryptoAPI-Spoofing-Proof-Of-Concept.html ↗
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-0601 ↗
MITRE CWE context
CWE classification
The product does not validate, or incorrectly validates, a certificate.
View official MITRE CWE details ↗NVD record timing
NVD record timeline
These dates describe NVD’s record, not CISA’s KEV addition or remediation due date.
- NVD published
- Jan 14, 2020, 11:15 PM UTC When NVD first published this CVE record.
- NVD last updated
- Jun 17, 2026, 02:46 AM UTC When NVD last changed its analysis or record data.
Advanced: view the technical CVSS vector
This standardized code is intended for security tools and technical analysts. The plain-language risk summary above explains its main points.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
CISA notes
Reference CISA's ED 20-02 (https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/ed-20-02-mitigate-windows-vulnerabilities-january-2020-patch-tuesday) for further guidance and requirements. Note: The due date for addressing this vulnerability aligns with the requirements outlined in ED 20-02. https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0601