CVE-2018-20753
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitKaseya VSA RMM before R9.3 9.3.0.35, R9.4 before 9.4.0.36, and R9.5 before 9.5.0.5 allows unprivileged remote attackers to execute PowerShell payloads on all managed devices.
Published Feb 5, 2019 · Updated Aug 13, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-20753 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Virtual System Administrator (Kaseya).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 30, 2018 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 30% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Virtual System Administrator 9.3.0.35, Virtual System Administrator 9.4.0.36, Virtual System Administrator 9.5.0.5.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
30%
Higher than 98.1% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2018-20753 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Kaseya VSA RMM before R9.3 9.3.0.35, R9.4 before 9.4.0.36, and R9.5 before 9.5.0.5 allows unprivileged remote attackers to execute PowerShell payloads on all managed devices. In January 2018, attackers actively exploited this vulnerability in the wild.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Apr 13, 2022 | May 4, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 30, 2018 | May 4, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Apr 13, 2022 | May 4, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Apr 13, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual System AdministratorKaseya | See advisory | 9.3.0.35 |
Patched Releases
Virtual System Administrator
9.3.0.35, 9.4.0.36, 9.5.0.5
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 30, 2018
Publicly disclosed
Feb 5, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Apr 13, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Apr 13, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Apr 13, 2022
Last updated
Aug 13, 2026
References
- advisoryhttps://helpdesk.kaseya.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360000333152
- exploithttps://blog.huntresslabs.com/deep-dive-kaseya-vsa-mining-payload-c0ac839a0e88
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- otherhttps://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-20753
FAQ
Common Questions.
Kaseya VSA RMM before R9.3 9.3.0.35, R9.4 before 9.4.0.36, and R9.5 before 9.5.0.5 allows unprivileged remote attackers to execute PowerShell payloads on all managed devices.
Affected: Virtual System Administrator (Kaseya). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 30, 2018 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Apr 13, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of May 4, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Virtual System Administrator 9.3.0.35, Virtual System Administrator 9.4.0.36, Virtual System Administrator 9.5.0.5.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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