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CVE-2020-8617

MediumCVSS 5.9 / 10
Published May 19, 2020·Last modified Apr 16, 2026
Affected Components(0)

No affected components available

Description

Using a specially-crafted message, an attacker may potentially cause a BIND server to reach an inconsistent state if the attacker knows (or successfully guesses) the name of a TSIG key used by the server. Since BIND, by default, configures a local session key even on servers whose configuration does not otherwise make use of it, almost all current BIND servers are vulnerable. In releases of BIND dating from March 2018 and after, an assertion check in tsig.c detects this inconsistent state and deliberately exits. Prior to the introduction of the check the server would continue operating in an inconsistent state, with potentially harmful results.

Risk Scores
Base Score
5.9

The vulnerability can be exploited over the network without needing physical access. It is difficult for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability and may require special conditions. An attacker does not need any special privileges or access rights. No user interaction is needed for the attacker to exploit this vulnerability. The impact is confined to the system where the vulnerability exists. There is a high impact on the availability of the system.

Threat Intelligence
5.6

Exploitation attempts have been detected. Elevated vigilance and prompt remediation are advised.

EPSS
93.42%

The exploit probability is critical. The vulnerability is very likely to be exploited in the next 30 days.

Exploit
Proof of Concept

A proof of concept is available for this vulnerability (3 exploits found).

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