HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-11457
MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2020-11457

CWE-79Published: April 1, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

5.4
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

pfSense before 2.4.5 has stored XSS in system_usermanager_addprivs.php in the WebGUI via the descr parameter (aka full name) of a user.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-11457 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

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

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-2020-11457. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-79): Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionRequired
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityLow
IntegrityLow
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

Affected Vendors & Products

netgate1 product(s)
pfsense
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-2020-11457
CVSS Score5.4 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-79
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedApr 1, 2020

Related CVEs (CWE-79)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2020-11457 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.