How severe is CVE-2020-4278?

CVE-2020-4278 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-2020-4278 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (19th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-4278?

CVE-2020-4278 primarily affects Ibm Platform Lsf. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-4278?

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-2020-4278 published?

CVE-2020-4278 was published on 2020-03-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-4278

CVE-2020-4278 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Platform Lsf 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-732.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (19th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-732
Affected product: Ibm Platform Lsf
Published: 2020-03-05
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

IBM Platform LSF 9.1 and 10.1, IBM Spectrum LSF Suite 10.2, and IBM Spectrum Suite for HPA 10.2 could allow a local user to escalate their privileges due to weak file permissions when specific debug settings are enabled in a Linux or Unix enviornment. IBM X-Force ID: 176137.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-4278?: IBM Platform LSF 9.1 and 10.1, IBM Spectrum LSF Suite 10.2, and IBM Spectrum Suite for HPA 10.2 could allow a local user to escalate their privileges due to weak file permissions when specific debug settings are enabled in a Linux or Unix enviornment. IBM X-Force ID: 176137.
How severe is CVE-2020-4278?: CVE-2020-4278 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-2020-4278 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (19th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-4278?: CVE-2020-4278 primarily affects Ibm Platform Lsf. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-4278?: 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-2020-4278 published?: CVE-2020-4278 was published on 2020-03-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:ibm:platform_lsf:9.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:platform_lsf:10.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:spectrum_computing_for_high_performance_analytics:10.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:spectrum_lsf:10.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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