How severe is CVE-2020-16250?

CVE-2020-16250 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2020-16250 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (70th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-16250?

CVE-2020-16250 primarily affects Hashicorp Vault. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16250?

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-2020-16250 published?

CVE-2020-16250 was published on 2020-08-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-16250

CVE-2020-16250 is a high-severity vulnerability in Hashicorp Vault with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. 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-290.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
CVSS v2: 7.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (70th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-290
Affected product: Hashicorp Vault
Published: 2020-08-26
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise versions 0.7.1 and newer, when configured with the AWS IAM auth method, may be vulnerable to authentication bypass. Fixed in 1.2.5, 1.3.8, 1.4.4, and 1.5.1..

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-16250?: HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise versions 0.7.1 and newer, when configured with the AWS IAM auth method, may be vulnerable to authentication bypass. Fixed in 1.2.5, 1.3.8, 1.4.4, and 1.5.1..
How severe is CVE-2020-16250?: CVE-2020-16250 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2020-16250 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (70th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-16250?: CVE-2020-16250 primarily affects Hashicorp Vault. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-16250?: 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-2020-16250 published?: CVE-2020-16250 was published on 2020-08-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:hashicorp:vault:*:*:*:*:-:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:hashicorp:vault:*:*:*:*:enterprise:*:*:*

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