CVE-2019-20478

Name: CVE-2019-20478
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-02-19T04:15:10.88+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 6.59%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2019-20478 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. In ruamel.yaml through 0.16.7, the load method allows remote code execution if the application calls this method with an untrusted argument. In other words, this issue affects developers who are unaware of the need to use methods such as safe_load in these use cases.. EPSS estimates a 6.59% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In ruamel.yaml through 0.16.7, the load method allows remote code execution if the application calls this method with an untrusted argument. In other words, this issue affects developers who are unaware of the need to use methods such as safe_load in these use cases.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

6.59%

93.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ruamel.Yaml Project	Ruamel.Yaml	<= 0.16.7

References

https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47655Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47655Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry

Timeline

Published: Feb 19, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2019-20478?

How severe is CVE-2019-20478?

CVE-2019-20478 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 6.59% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2019-20478?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2019-20478?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST