CVE-2020-5242

Name: CVE-2020-5242
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-02-20T23:15:20.723+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 1.97%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-5242 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. openHAB before 2.5.2 allow a remote attacker to use REST calls to install the EXEC binding or EXEC transformation service and execute arbitrary commands on the system with the privileges of the user running openHAB. Starting with version 2.5.2 all commands need to be whitelisted in a local file which cannot be changed via REST calls.. EPSS estimates a 1.97% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

openHAB before 2.5.2 allow a remote attacker to use REST calls to install the EXEC binding or EXEC transformation service and execute arbitrary commands on the system with the privileges of the user running openHAB. Starting with version 2.5.2 all commands need to be whitelisted in a local file which cannot be changed via REST calls.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.97%

77.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Openhab	Openhab	< 2.5.2

References

https://github.com/openhab/openhab-addons/commit/4c4cb664f2e2c3866aadf117d22fb54aa8dd0031Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/openhab/openhab-addons/security/advisories/GHSA-w698-693g-23hvThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/openhab/openhab-addons/commit/4c4cb664f2e2c3866aadf117d22fb54aa8dd0031Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/openhab/openhab-addons/security/advisories/GHSA-w698-693g-23hvThird Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Feb 20, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-5242?

How severe is CVE-2020-5242?

CVE-2020-5242 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.97% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-5242?

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-2020-5242?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST