Is CVE-2020-17496 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2020-17496 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2020-17496 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2020-17496 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-17496?

CVE-2020-17496 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-17496

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2020-17496

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:94.22%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.9th

Official Description

The PHP module within vBulletin contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for remote code execution via crafted subWidgets data in an ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel request. This CVE ID resolves an incomplete patch for CVE-2019-16759.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

vBulletin PHP Module Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

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

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

The PHP module within vBulletin contains a remote code execution vulnerability via crafted subWidgets data. This flaw is an incomplete patch for a previous vulnerability. The high EPSS score of 0.94222 indicates a significant likelihood of exploitation, and it is confirmed to be exploited in the wild.

This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild. Remote code execution can be achieved through crafted subWidgets data in a specific AJAX request.

Recommended Action

Apply the latest security patches for vBulletin. Ensure all inputs are properly validated and sanitized to prevent code injection.

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-2020-17496 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-2020-17496 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.