Is CVE-2020-16846 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2020-16846 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2020-16846 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2020-16846 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-16846?

CVE-2020-16846 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-16846

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2020-16846

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:94.39%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:100.0th

Official Description

SaltStack Salt allows an unauthenticated user with network access to the Salt API to use shell injections to run code on the Salt API using the SSH client. This vulnerability affects any users running the Salt API.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

SaltStack Salt Shell Injection Vulnerability

Added to KEV: 2021-11-03Federal patch deadline: 2022-05-03

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

SaltStack Salt allows unauthenticated users with network access to the Salt API to use shell injections via the SSH client to run code. This is a HIGH severity vulnerability with a high EPSS score of 0.94387, indicating a high likelihood of exploitation. CISA has confirmed its exploitation in the KEV catalog.

This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. It can be exploited remotely by unauthenticated users with network access to the Salt API.

Recommended Action

Users running the Salt API should apply the latest security updates for SaltStack Salt. Restrict network access to the Salt API and ensure that SSH client configurations are secure.

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-2020-16846 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-2020-16846 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.