How severe is CVE-2020-5863?

CVE-2020-5863 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-5863 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (62nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-5863?

CVE-2020-5863 primarily affects F5 Nginx Controller. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-5863?

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-2020-5863 published?

CVE-2020-5863 was published on 2020-03-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-5863

CVE-2020-5863 is a high-severity vulnerability in F5 Nginx Controller with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.6)
CVSS v2: 7.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (62nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: F5 Nginx Controller
Published: 2020-03-27
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In NGINX Controller versions prior to 3.2.0, an unauthenticated attacker with network access to the Controller API can create unprivileged user accounts. The user which is created is only able to upload a new license to the system but cannot view or modify any other components of the system.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-5863?: In NGINX Controller versions prior to 3.2.0, an unauthenticated attacker with network access to the Controller API can create unprivileged user accounts. The user which is created is only able to upload a new license to the system but cannot view or modify any other components of the system.
How severe is CVE-2020-5863?: CVE-2020-5863 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-5863 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (62nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-5863?: CVE-2020-5863 primarily affects F5 Nginx Controller. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-5863?: 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-2020-5863 published?: CVE-2020-5863 was published on 2020-03-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:f5:nginx_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:f5:nginx_controller:1.0.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:netapp:cloud_backup:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in F5 Nginx Controller

CVE-2020-27730 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): In versions 3.0.0-3.9.0, 2.0.0-2.9.0, and 1.0.1, the NGINX Controller Agent does not use absolute paths when calling…
CVE-2020-5901 — Critical (CVSS 9.6): In NGINX Controller 3.3.0-3.4.0, undisclosed API endpoints may allow for a reflected Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attack.…
CVE-2020-5900 — High (CVSS 8.8): In versions 3.0.0-3.4.0, 2.0.0-2.9.0, and 1.0.1, there is insufficient cross-site request forgery (CSRF) protections…
CVE-2020-5894 — High (CVSS 8.1): On versions 3.0.0-3.3.0, the NGINX Controller webserver does not invalidate the server-side session token after users…
CVE-2020-5867 — High (CVSS 8.1): In versions prior to 3.3.0, the NGINX Controller Agent installer script 'install.sh' uses HTTP instead of HTTPS to…
CVE-2021-23019 — High (CVSS 7.8): The NGINX Controller 2.0.0 thru 2.9.0 and 3.x before 3.15.0 Administrator password may be exposed in the systemd.txt…

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