How severe is CVE-2020-17490?

CVE-2020-17490 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2020-17490 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-17490?

CVE-2020-17490 primarily affects Saltstack Salt. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-17490?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2020-17490 published?

CVE-2020-17490 was published on 2020-11-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-17490

CVE-2020-17490 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Saltstack Salt with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. 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-732.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.5)
CVSS v2: 2.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (33rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-732
Affected product: Saltstack Salt
Published: 2020-11-06
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The TLS module within SaltStack Salt through 3002 creates certificates with weak file permissions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-17490?: The TLS module within SaltStack Salt through 3002 creates certificates with weak file permissions.
How severe is CVE-2020-17490?: CVE-2020-17490 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2020-17490 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-17490?: CVE-2020-17490 primarily affects Saltstack Salt. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-17490?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2020-17490 published?: CVE-2020-17490 was published on 2020-11-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:3001:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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