How severe is CVE-2020-0259?

CVE-2020-0259 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-0259 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-0259?

CVE-2020-0259 affects Google Android. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0259?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2020-0259 published?

CVE-2020-0259 was published on 2020-08-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-0259

CVE-2020-0259 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (6th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2020-08-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In android_verity_ctr of dm-android-verity.c, there is a possible way to modify a dm-verity protected filesystem due to improperly used crypto. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-157941353References: N/A

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-0259?: In android_verity_ctr of dm-android-verity.c, there is a possible way to modify a dm-verity protected filesystem due to improperly used crypto. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-157941353References: N/A
How severe is CVE-2020-0259?: CVE-2020-0259 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-0259 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-0259?: CVE-2020-0259 affects Google Android. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-0259?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-0259 published?: CVE-2020-0259 was published on 2020-08-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2020-08-01

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:google:android:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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