Unpatched Windows zero-day from 2020 gives hackers full system access
A critical Windows 11 vulnerability, CVE-2020-17103, remains unpatched despite Microsoft's claims of a fix in 2020. Discovered by security researcher Nightmare-Eclipse, the flaw allows hackers to gain full system access using a proof-of-concept exploit called MiniPlasma. This unresolved zero-day vulnerability poses significant security risks for all Windows versions, highlighting the importance of robust antivirus protection.
- ▪The vulnerability CVE-2020-17103 was supposedly patched by Microsoft in 2020 but is still exploitable.
- ▪Nightmare-Eclipse created a proof-of-concept exploit named MiniPlasma that demonstrates the flaw's dangers.
- ▪The security researcher believes the vulnerability affects all versions of Windows and emphasizes the need for strong antivirus protection.
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News Unpatched Windows zero-day from 2020 gives hackers full system access Microsoft supposedly patched CVE-2020-17103 in 2020, but a new proof-of-concept exploit shows the vulnerability is still hackable. By Mikael Markander Contributor, PCWorld May 18, 2026 9:20 am PDT Image: LookerStudio / Shutterstock.com Summary created by Smart Answers AIIn summary:PCWorld reports that security researcher Nightmare-Eclipse discovered a critical Windows 11 vulnerability (CVE-2020-17103) that Microsoft supposedly patched in 2020 but remains exploitable.The flaw allows hackers to gain complete system access through the ‘MiniPlasma’ exploit and likely affects all Windows versions despite Microsoft’s previous patch attempts.This unresolved zero-day vulnerability poses significant security risks,…
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