CVE-2020-8256

Name: CVE-2020-8256
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-09-30T18:15:29.287+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 4.9/10EPSS 3.36%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-8256 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 4.9/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R8.2 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to gain arbitrary file reading access through Pulse Collaboration via XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability.. EPSS estimates a 3.36% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R8.2 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to gain arbitrary file reading access through Pulse Collaboration via XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

4.9/10

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

EPSS Probability

3.36%

87.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ivanti	Connect Secure	9.1
Pulsesecure	Pulse Connect Secure	<= 9.0

References

https://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44588Vendor Advisory
https://www.gosecure.net/blog/2020/11/13/forget-your-perimeter-part-2-four-vulnerabilities-in-pulse-connect-secure/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44588Vendor Advisory
https://www.gosecure.net/blog/2020/11/13/forget-your-perimeter-part-2-four-vulnerabilities-in-pulse-connect-secure/Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Sep 30, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-8256?

How severe is CVE-2020-8256?

CVE-2020-8256 has a CVSS score of 4.9/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-8256?

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-2020-8256?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST