CVE-2020-15704

Name: CVE-2020-15704
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-09-01T00:15:09.907+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 5.5/10EPSS 0.36%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-15704 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5.5/10 on the CVSS scale. The modprobe child process in the ./debian/patches/load_ppp_generic_if_needed patch file incorrectly handled module loading. A local non-root attacker could exploit the MODPROBE_OPTIONS environment variable to read arbitrary root files. EPSS estimates a 0.36% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The modprobe child process in the ./debian/patches/load_ppp_generic_if_needed patch file incorrectly handled module loading. A local non-root attacker could exploit the MODPROBE_OPTIONS environment variable to read arbitrary root files. Fixed in 2.4.5-5ubuntu1.4, 2.4.5-5.1ubuntu2.3+esm2, 2.4.7-1+2ubuntu1.16.04.3, 2.4.7-2+2ubuntu1.3, 2.4.7-2+4.1ubuntu5.1, 2.4.7-2+4.1ubuntu6. Was ZDI-CAN-11504.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.36%

28.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Canonical	Ppp	< 2.4.7-1\+ubuntu1.16.04.3
Canonical	Ppp	< 2.4.7-2\+2ubuntu1.3
Canonical	Ppp	< 2.4.7-2\+4.1ubuntu5.1
Canonical	Ppp	< 2.4.5-5ubuntu1.4
Canonical	Ppp	< 2.4.5-5.1ubuntu2.3\+esm2

References

https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-4451-1Vendor Advisory
https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-4451-2Vendor Advisory
https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-4451-1Vendor Advisory
https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-4451-2Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Sep 1, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-15704?

How severe is CVE-2020-15704?

CVE-2020-15704 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-15704?

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-2020-15704?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST