Is CVE-2020-28221 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2020-28221 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2020-28221 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2020-28221 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-28221?

CVE-2020-28221 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-28221

CRITICAL

CVE-2020-28221

CWE-20Published: January 26, 2021· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A CWE-20: Improper Input Validation vulnerability exists in EcoStruxure™ Operator Terminal Expert and Pro-face BLUE (version details in the notification) that could cause arbitrary code execution when the Ethernet Download feature is enable on the HMI.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-28221 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 complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.