How severe is CVE-2020-7281?

CVE-2020-7281 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-7281 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (16th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-7281?

CVE-2020-7281 affects Mcafee Total Protection. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-7281?

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-2020-7281 published?

CVE-2020-7281 was published on 2020-07-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-7281

CVE-2020-7281 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mcafee Total Protection 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-269.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 1.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (16th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Mcafee Total Protection
Published: 2020-07-03
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.R26 allows local users to delete files the user would otherwise not have access to via manipulating symbolic links to redirect a McAfee delete action to an unintended file. This is achieved through running a malicious script or program on the target machine.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-7281?: Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.R26 allows local users to delete files the user would otherwise not have access to via manipulating symbolic links to redirect a McAfee delete action to an unintended file. This is achieved through running a malicious script or program on the target machine.
How severe is CVE-2020-7281?: CVE-2020-7281 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-7281 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (16th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-7281?: CVE-2020-7281 affects Mcafee Total Protection. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-7281?: 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-2020-7281 published?: CVE-2020-7281 was published on 2020-07-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://service.mcafee.com/webcenter/portal/cp/home/articleview?articleId=TS103062

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:total_protection:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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