CVE-2020-16122

Name: CVE-2020-16122
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-11-07T04:15:12.13+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.34%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-16122 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. PackageKit's apt backend mistakenly treated all local debs as trusted. The apt security model is based on repository trust and not on the contents of individual files. EPSS estimates a 0.34% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

PackageKit's apt backend mistakenly treated all local debs as trusted. The apt security model is based on repository trust and not on the contents of individual files. On sites with configured PolicyKit rules this may allow users to install malicious packages.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.34%

25.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Packagekit Project	Packagekit	All versions
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	16.04
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	18.04
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	20.04

References

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/packagekit/+bug/1882098Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/packagekit/+bug/1882098Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 7, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-16122?

How severe is CVE-2020-16122?

CVE-2020-16122 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.34% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-16122?

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-2020-16122?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST