CVE-2020-7009

Name: CVE-2020-7009
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-03-31T19:15:14.447+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 1.60%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-7009 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Elasticsearch versions from 6.7.0 before 6.8.8 and 7.0.0 before 7.6.2 contain a privilege escalation flaw if an attacker is able to create API keys. An attacker who is able to generate an API key can perform a series of steps that result in an API key being generated with elevated privileges.. EPSS estimates a 1.60% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Elasticsearch versions from 6.7.0 before 6.8.8 and 7.0.0 before 7.6.2 contain a privilege escalation flaw if an attacker is able to create API keys. An attacker who is able to generate an API key can perform a series of steps that result in an API key being generated with elevated privileges.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.60%

72.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Elastic	Elasticsearch	>= 6.7.0, < 6.8.8
Elastic	Elasticsearch	>= 7.0.0, < 7.6.2

References

https://discuss.elastic.co/t/elastic-stack-6-8-8-and-7-6-2-security-update/225920Mitigation, Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20200403-0004/Third Party Advisory
https://www.elastic.co/community/security/Vendor Advisory
https://discuss.elastic.co/t/elastic-stack-6-8-8-and-7-6-2-security-update/225920Mitigation, Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20200403-0004/Third Party Advisory
https://www.elastic.co/community/security/Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 31, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-7009?

How severe is CVE-2020-7009?

CVE-2020-7009 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.60% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-7009?

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-2020-7009?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST