CVE-2020-26541

Name: CVE-2020-26541
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-10-02T19:15:13.9+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 6.5/10EPSS 0.52%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-26541 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 6.5/10 on the CVSS scale. The Linux kernel through 5.8.13 does not properly enforce the Secure Boot Forbidden Signature Database (aka dbx) protection mechanism. This affects certs/blacklist.c and certs/system_keyring.c.. EPSS estimates a 0.52% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The Linux kernel through 5.8.13 does not properly enforce the Secure Boot Forbidden Signature Database (aka dbx) protection mechanism. This affects certs/blacklist.c and certs/system_keyring.c.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.52%

40.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	<= 5.8.13

References

https://lkml.org/lkml/2020/9/15/1871Exploit, Vendor Advisory
https://lkml.org/lkml/2020/9/15/1871Exploit, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Oct 2, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-26541?

The Linux kernel through 5.8.13 does not properly enforce the Secure Boot Forbidden Signature Database (aka dbx) protection mechanism. This affects certs/blacklist.c and certs/system_keyring.c.

How severe is CVE-2020-26541?

CVE-2020-26541 has a CVSS score of 6.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.52% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-26541?

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-2020-26541?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST