How severe is CVE-2020-2020?

CVE-2020-2020 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 none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-2020 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-2020?

CVE-2020-2020 affects Paloaltonetworks Cortex Xdr Agent. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-2020?

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

When was CVE-2020-2020 published?

CVE-2020-2020 was published on 2020-12-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-2020

CVE-2020-2020 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Paloaltonetworks Cortex Xdr Agent 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-755.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.5)
CVSS v2: 2.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (22nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-755
Affected product: Paloaltonetworks Cortex Xdr Agent
Published: 2020-12-09
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An improper handling of exceptional conditions vulnerability in Cortex XDR Agent allows a local authenticated Windows user to create files in the software's internal program directory that prevents the Cortex XDR Agent from starting. The exceptional condition is persistent and prevents Cortex XDR Agent from starting when the software or machine is restarted. This issue impacts: Cortex XDR Agent 5.0 versions earlier than 5.0.10; Cortex XDR Agent 6.1 versions earlier than 6.1.7; Cortex XDR Agent 7.0 versions earlier than 7.0.3; Cortex XDR Agent 7.1 versions earlier than 7.1.2.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-2020?: An improper handling of exceptional conditions vulnerability in Cortex XDR Agent allows a local authenticated Windows user to create files in the software's internal program directory that prevents the Cortex XDR Agent from starting. The exceptional condition is persistent and prevents Cortex XDR Agent from starting when the software or machine is restarted. This issue impacts: Cortex XDR Agent 5.0 versions earlier than 5.0.10; Cortex XDR Agent 6.1 versions earlier than 6.1.7; Cortex XDR Agent 7.0 versions earlier than 7.0.3; Cortex XDR Agent 7.1 versions earlier than 7.1.2.
How severe is CVE-2020-2020?: CVE-2020-2020 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 none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-2020 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-2020?: CVE-2020-2020 affects Paloaltonetworks Cortex Xdr Agent. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-2020?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2020-2020 published?: CVE-2020-2020 was published on 2020-12-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2020-2020

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:paloaltonetworks:cortex_xdr_agent:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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