How severe is CVE-2020-15163?

CVE-2020-15163 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2020-15163 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (42nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-15163?

CVE-2020-15163 affects Linuxfoundation The Update Framework. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-15163?

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-2020-15163 published?

CVE-2020-15163 was published on 2020-09-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-15163

CVE-2020-15163 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linuxfoundation The Update Framework with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.7. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-345.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.7)
CVSS v2: 4.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (42nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-345
Affected product: Linuxfoundation The Update Framework
Published: 2020-09-09
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Python TUF (The Update Framework) reference implementation before version 0.12 it will incorrectly trust a previously downloaded root metadata file which failed verification at download time. This allows an attacker who is able to serve multiple new versions of root metadata (i.e. by a person-in-the-middle attack) culminating in a version which has not been correctly signed to control the trust chain for future updates. This is fixed in version 0.12 and newer.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-15163?: Python TUF (The Update Framework) reference implementation before version 0.12 it will incorrectly trust a previously downloaded root metadata file which failed verification at download time. This allows an attacker who is able to serve multiple new versions of root metadata (i.e. by a person-in-the-middle attack) culminating in a version which has not been correctly signed to control the trust chain for future updates. This is fixed in version 0.12 and newer.
How severe is CVE-2020-15163?: CVE-2020-15163 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2020-15163 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (42nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-15163?: CVE-2020-15163 affects Linuxfoundation The Update Framework. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-15163?: 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-2020-15163 published?: CVE-2020-15163 was published on 2020-09-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:linuxfoundation:the_update_framework:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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