HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-8161
HIGH

CVE-2020-8161

CWE-548Published: July 2, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

8.6
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A directory traversal vulnerability exists in rack < 2.2.0 that allows an attacker perform directory traversal vulnerability in the Rack::Directory app that is bundled with Rack which could result in information disclosure.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-8161 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), with a CVSS base score of 8.6.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N

Affected Vendors & Products

Canonical1 product(s)
ubuntu linux
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
rack_project1 product(s)
rack
Source: NVD CPE · 4 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (10)

https://groups.google.com/g/rubyonrails-security/c/IOO1vNZTzPAMailing List · Patch · Third Party Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/434404Permissions Required · Third Party Advisory
https://usn.ubuntu.com/4561-1/Third Party Advisory
https://groups.google.com/g/rubyonrails-security/c/IOO1vNZTzPAMailing List · Patch · Third Party Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/434404Permissions Required · Third Party Advisory
https://usn.ubuntu.com/4561-1/Third Party Advisory

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2020-8161
CVSS Score8.6 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-548
CISA KEVNo
Affected3 vendor(s)
PublishedJul 2, 2020

Related CVEs (CWE-548)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2020-8161 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.