What is CVE-2020-3946?

InstallBuilder AutoUpdate tool and regular installers enabling built with versions earlier than 19.11 are vulnerable to Billion laughs attack (denial-of-service).

How severe is CVE-2020-3946?

CVE-2020-3946 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-3946 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (60th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-3946?

CVE-2020-3946 affects Vmware Installbuilder. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-3946?

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-2020-3946 published?

CVE-2020-3946 was published on 2020-04-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-3946

CVE-2020-3946 is a high-severity vulnerability in Vmware Installbuilder with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-776.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (60th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-776
Affected product: Vmware Installbuilder
Published: 2020-04-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

InstallBuilder AutoUpdate tool and regular installers enabling <checkForUpdates> built with versions earlier than 19.11 are vulnerable to Billion laughs attack (denial-of-service).

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-3946?: InstallBuilder AutoUpdate tool and regular installers enabling <checkForUpdates> built with versions earlier than 19.11 are vulnerable to Billion laughs attack (denial-of-service).
How severe is CVE-2020-3946?: CVE-2020-3946 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-3946 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (60th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-3946?: CVE-2020-3946 affects Vmware Installbuilder. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-3946?: 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-2020-3946 published?: CVE-2020-3946 was published on 2020-04-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://blog.installbuilder.com/2019/12/configure-autoupdate-project-settings.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:vmware:installbuilder:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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