CVE-2020-8897

Name: CVE-2020-8897
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-11-16T12:15:14.557+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.1/10EPSS 0.39%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-8897 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.1/10 on the CVSS scale. A weak robustness vulnerability exists in the AWS Encryption SDKs for Java, Python, C and Javalcript prior to versions 2.0.0. Due to the non-committing property of AES-GCM (and other AEAD ciphers such as AES-GCM-SIV or (X)ChaCha20Poly1305) used by the SDKs to encrypt messages, an attacker can craft a unique cyphertext which will decrypt to multiple different results, and becomes especially relevant in a multi-recipient setting. EPSS estimates a 0.39% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A weak robustness vulnerability exists in the AWS Encryption SDKs for Java, Python, C and Javalcript prior to versions 2.0.0. Due to the non-committing property of AES-GCM (and other AEAD ciphers such as AES-GCM-SIV or (X)ChaCha20Poly1305) used by the SDKs to encrypt messages, an attacker can craft a unique cyphertext which will decrypt to multiple different results, and becomes especially relevant in a multi-recipient setting. We recommend users update their SDK to 2.0.0 or later.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.1/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.39%

31.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Amazon	Aws Encryption Sdk	< 2.0.0

References

https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/security/improved-client-side-encryption-explicit-keyids-and-key-commitment/Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/google/security-research/security/advisories/GHSA-wqgp-vphw-hphfExploit, Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/security/improved-client-side-encryption-explicit-keyids-and-key-commitment/Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/google/security-research/security/advisories/GHSA-wqgp-vphw-hphfExploit, Mitigation, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 16, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-8897?

How severe is CVE-2020-8897?

CVE-2020-8897 has a CVSS score of 8.1/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.39% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-8897?

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-2020-8897?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST