HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-15229
CRITICAL

CVE-2020-15229

CWE-22Published: October 14, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.3
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Singularity (an open source container platform) from version 3.1.1 through 3.6.3 has a vulnerability. Due to insecure handling of path traversal and the lack of path sanitization within `unsquashfs`, it is possible to overwrite/create any files on the host filesystem during the extraction with a crafted squashfs filesystem. The extraction occurs automatically for unprivileged (either installation or with `allow setuid = no`) run of Singularity when a user attempt to run an image which is a local SIF image or a single file containing a squashfs filesystem and is coming from remote sources `library://` or `shub://`. Image build is also impacted in a more serious way as it can be used by a root user, allowing an attacker to overwrite/create files leading to a system compromise, so far bootstrap methods `library`, `shub` and `localimage` are triggering the squashfs extraction. This issue is addressed in Singularity 3.6.4. All users are advised to upgrade to 3.6.4 especially if they use Singularity mainly for building image as root user. There is no solid workaround except to temporary avoid to use unprivileged mode with single file images in favor of sandbox images instead. Regarding image build, temporary avoid to build from `library` and `shub` sources and as much as possible use `--fakeroot` or a VM for that.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-15229 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), with a CVSS base score of 9.3.

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.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N

Affected Vendors & Products

openSUSE2 product(s)
backports sleleap
sylabs1 product(s)
singularity
Source: NVD CPE · 4 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (14)

http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-10/msg00070.htmlBroken Link · Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-10/msg00071.htmlBroken Link · Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-11/msg00009.htmlBroken Link · Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-10/msg00070.htmlBroken Link · Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-10/msg00071.htmlBroken Link · Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-11/msg00009.htmlBroken Link · Mailing List · Third Party Advisory

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2020-15229
CVSS Score9.3 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-22
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 14, 2020

Related CVEs (CWE-22)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2020-15229 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.