CVE-2020-8260

Name: CVE-2020-8260
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-10-28T13:15:13.027+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.2/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 96.48%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-8260 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.2/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R9 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to perform an arbitrary code execution using uncontrolled gzip extraction.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 96.48% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R9 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to perform an arbitrary code execution using uncontrolled gzip extraction.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.2/10

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

EPSS Probability

96.48%

99.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by May 3, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

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

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160619/Pulse-Secure-VPN-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44601Broken Link, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160619/Pulse-Secure-VPN-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44601Broken Link, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-8260US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Oct 28, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-8260?

A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R9 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to perform an arbitrary code execution using uncontrolled gzip extraction.

How severe is CVE-2020-8260?

CVE-2020-8260 has a CVSS score of 7.2/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 96.48% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-8260?

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-2020-8260?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST