Overview
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.
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
Key Details
| Property | Value |
|---|
| CVE ID |
CVE-2020-0601 |
| Vendor / Product |
Microsoft — Windows |
| NVD Published | 2020-01-14 |
| NVD Last Modified | 2025-12-18 |
| CVSS 3.1 Score | 8.1 |
| CVSS 3.1 Vector | CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N |
| Severity | HIGH |
| CWE |
CWE-295
|
| CISA KEV Added | 2021-11-03 |
| CISA KEV Deadline | 2022-05-03 |
| Known Ransomware Use |
No |
CVSS 3.1 Breakdown
User Interaction
Required
Required Action
CISA BOD 22-01 Deadline: 2022-05-03.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|
| 2021-11-03 | Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog |
| 2022-05-03 | CISA BOD 22-01 remediation deadline |