HIGH
CVE-2018-20809
CWE-20Published: June 28, 2019· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
7.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
A crafted message can cause the web server to crash with Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure (PCS) 8.3RX before 8.3R5 and Pulse Policy Secure 5.4RX before 5.4R5. This is not applicable to PCS 8.1RX.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2018-20809 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
ivanti1 product(s)
connect secure
pulsesecure1 product(s)
pulse policy secure
Source: NVD CPE · 7 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (2)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2018-20809
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-20
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedJun 28, 2019
Related CVEs (CWE-20)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2018-20809 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.