CVE-2020-36868

CVE-2020-36868 is a high-severity vulnerability in Nagios Nagios Xi 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-73.

Key facts

Description

Nagios XI versions prior to 5.7.3 contain a privilege escalation vulnerability in the getprofile.sh helper script. The script performed profile retrieval and initialization routines using insecure file/command handling and insufficient validation of attacker-controlled inputs, and in some deployments executed with elevated privileges. A local attacker with low-level access could exploit these weaknesses to cause the script to execute arbitrary commands or modify privileged files, resulting in privilege escalation.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-36868?
Nagios XI versions prior to 5.7.3 contain a privilege escalation vulnerability in the getprofile.sh helper script. The script performed profile retrieval and initialization routines using insecure file/command handling and insufficient validation of attacker-controlled inputs, and in some deployments executed with elevated privileges. A local attacker with low-level access could exploit these weaknesses to cause the script to execute arbitrary commands or modify privileged files, resulting in privilege escalation.
How severe is CVE-2020-36868?
CVE-2020-36868 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-2020-36868 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (23rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-36868?
CVE-2020-36868 affects Nagios Nagios Xi. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-36868?
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.
Does CVE-2020-36868 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2020-36868 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2020-30810.
When was CVE-2020-36868 published?
CVE-2020-36868 was published on 2025-10-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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