CVE-2020-17496
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitvBulletin 5.5.4 through 5.6.2 allows remote command execution via crafted subWidgets data in an ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel request.
Published Aug 12, 2020 · Updated Nov 7, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-17496 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Vbulletin.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 14, 2020. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 87% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Vbulletin <=5.6.2, Vbulletin 5.6.2.
- 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)
87%
Higher than 99.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-17496 brief as a PDF
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Description
vBulletin 5.5.4 through 5.6.2 allows remote command execution via crafted subWidgets data in an ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel request. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2019-16759.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 14, 2020 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| VbulletinVbulletin | See advisory | 5.6.2 |
Patched Releases
Vbulletin
<=5.6.2
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 12, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 14, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Nov 7, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
References
- patchhttps://forum.vbulletin.com/forum/vbulletin-announcements/vbulletin-announcements_aa/4445227-vbulletin-5-6-0-5-6-1-5-6-2-security-patch
- exploithttps://blog.exploitee.rs/2020/exploiting-vbulletin-a-tale-of-patch-fail/
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
vBulletin 5.5.4 through 5.6.2 allows remote command execution via crafted subWidgets data in an ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel request.
Affected: Vbulletin. 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 Dec 14, 2020.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Vbulletin <=5.6.2, Vbulletin 5.6.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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