Actively exploited

CVE-2020-0646 Microsoft .NET Framework Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Microsoft .NET Framework contains an improper input validation vulnerability that allows for remote code execution.

From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.

Our Assessment

Should You Worry?

Patch nowCybergen assessment
  • CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 3 Nov 2021.
  • Rated Critical severity (CVSS 9.8, scored by CISA).
  • It has been in the catalogue for 1,829 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
The Vulnerability

What It Is

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Microsoft .NET Framework fails to validate input properly, aka '.NET Framework Remote Code Execution Injection Vulnerability'.

Affected Versions

ProductVersions
Microsoft Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6/4.6.1/4.6.2/4.7/4.7.1/4.7.2Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit systems
Windows 8.1 for x64-based systems
Windows RT 8.1
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
Microsoft Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.2/4.7/4.7.1/4.7.2Windows 10 Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems
Microsoft Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 on Windows 10 Version 1803 for 32-bit Systemsunspecified
Microsoft Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 on Windows 10 Version 1803 for x64-based Systemsunspecified
Microsoft Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 on Windows Server, version 1803 (Server Core Installation)unspecified
Microsoft Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 on Windows 10 Version 1709 for 32-bit Systemsunspecified

From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.

From Watch to Action

What To Do Now

  1. 1

    Find it

    Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Microsoft .NET Framework. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.

    Attack Surface Management
  2. 2

    Fix it

    Apply updates per vendor instructions.

    Vulnerability Management
  3. 3

    Hunt for compromise

    If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.

    Incident Response
  4. 4

    Prove it is fixed

    Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.

    Penetration Testing

Not Sure If You Are Exposed?

Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2020-0646 and every other exploited flaw on the list.

Check My Exposure