LOW
CVE-2020-9488
CWE-295Published: April 27, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
3.7
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Improper validation of certificate with host mismatch in Apache Log4j SMTP appender. This could allow an SMTPS connection to be intercepted by a man-in-the-middle attack which could leak any log messages sent through that appender. Fixed in Apache Log4j 2.12.3 and 2.13.1
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-9488 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.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityLow
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
Apache1 product(s)
log4j
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
Oracle43 product(s)
communications application session controllercommunications billing and revenue managementcommunications eagle ftp table base retrievalcommunications offline mediation controllercommunications services gatekeepercommunications unified inventory managementdata integratorenterprise manager for peoplesoftfinancial services analytical applications infrastructurefinancial services institutional performance analyticsfinancial services market risk measurement and managementfinancial services price creation and discovery+31
qos1 product(s)
reload4j
Source: NVD CPE · 99 total CPE entries
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 (98)
→
https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/LOG4J2-2819Issue Tracking · Mitigation · Patch · Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2020-9488
CVSS Score3.7 / 10
SeverityLOW
WeaknessCWE-295
CISA KEVNo
Affected4 vendor(s)
PublishedApr 27, 2020
Related CVEs (CWE-295)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-9488 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. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.