CVE-2020-5290
CWE-384Published: April 1, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
In RedpwnCTF before version 2.3, there is a session fixation vulnerability in exploitable through the `#token=$ssid` hash when making a request to the `/verify` endpoint. An attacker team could potentially steal flags by, for example, exploiting a stored XSS payload in a CTF challenge so that victim teams who solve the challenge are unknowingly (and against their will) signed into the attacker team's account. Then, the attacker can gain points / value off the backs of the victims. This is patched in version 2.3.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-5290 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.
A successful exploit results in full integrity compromise (data manipulation), with a CVSS base score of 6.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (4)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-384)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-5290 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts