Is CVE-2020-15999 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2020-15999 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2020-15999 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2020-15999 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-15999?

CVE-2020-15999 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-15999

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2020-15999

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:92.91%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.8th

Official Description

Google Chrome uses FreeType, an open-source software library to render fonts, which contains a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the function Load_SBit_Png when processing PNG images embedded into fonts. This vulnerability is part of an exploit chain with CVE-2020-17087 on Windows and CVE-2020-16010 on Android.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Google Chrome FreeType Heap Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

Added to KEV: 2021-11-03Federal patch deadline: 2021-11-17

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

This vulnerability involves a heap buffer overflow in the FreeType library used by Google Chrome, specifically when handling PNG images embedded in fonts. It is rated as HIGH severity and has an extremely high EPSS score, indicating a very high likelihood of exploitation. Its inclusion in CISA's KEV further confirms active exploitation, making it an urgent threat.

This flaw has been actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV, confirming its use in real-world attacks. It is known to be part of an exploit chain, suggesting it's used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities.

Recommended Action

Users should update Google Chrome to the latest available version to patch this vulnerability. Regularly updating web browsers and their underlying libraries is crucial for maintaining security.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-15999 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

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

CISA has added CVE-2020-15999 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.