MEDIUM
CVE-2020-22217
CWE-125Published: August 22, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.9
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Buffer overflow vulnerability in c-ares before 1_16_1 thru 1_17_0 via function ares_parse_soa_reply in ares_parse_soa_reply.c.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-22217 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 5.9.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (4)
→
https://github.com/c-ares/c-ares/issues/333Exploit · Issue Tracking · Patch
→
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/09/msg00014.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://github.com/c-ares/c-ares/issues/333Exploit · Issue Tracking · Patch
→
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/09/msg00014.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2020-22217
CVSS Score5.9 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-125
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 22, 2023
Related CVEs (CWE-125)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-22217 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.