HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-8020
HIGHPOC

CVE-2016-8020

CWE-94Published: March 14, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

8.0
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Improper control of generation of code vulnerability in Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux (VSEL) 2.0.3 (and earlier) allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTTP request parameter.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-8020 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation requires high privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.0.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2016-8020. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.High
User InteractionNone
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

mcafee1 product(s)
virusscan enterprise
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

All References (8)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2016-8020
CVSS Score8.0 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-94
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedMar 14, 2017

Related CVEs (CWE-94)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2016-8020 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.