CVE-2020-17365

Name: CVE-2020-17365
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-09-24T23:15:13.977+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.38%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-17365 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Improper directory permissions in the Hotspot Shield VPN client software for Windows 10.3.0 and earlier may allow an authorized user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. The vulnerability allows a local user to corrupt system files: a local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link to a critical file on the system and overwrite it with privileges of the application.. EPSS estimates a 0.38% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Improper directory permissions in the Hotspot Shield VPN client software for Windows 10.3.0 and earlier may allow an authorized user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. The vulnerability allows a local user to corrupt system files: a local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link to a critical file on the system and overwrite it with privileges of the application.

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

0.38%

29.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Pango	Hotspot Shield	<= 10.3.0

References

https://cymptom.com/cve-2020-17365-hotspot-shield-vpn-new-privilege-escalation-vulnerability/2020/10/Third Party Advisory
https://www.pango.co/sec31944/Vendor Advisory
https://cymptom.com/cve-2020-17365-hotspot-shield-vpn-new-privilege-escalation-vulnerability/2020/10/Third Party Advisory
https://www.pango.co/sec31944/Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Sep 24, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-17365?

How severe is CVE-2020-17365?

CVE-2020-17365 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.38% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-17365?

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-2020-17365?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST