CVE-2020-3187
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct directory traversal attacks and obtain read and delete access to…
Published May 6, 2020 · Updated Aug 11, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-3187 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.1 v3.1) affecting Firepower Threat Defense (Cisco), Secure Firewall Threat Defense (Cisco), Adaptive Security Appliance Software (Cisco) and 13 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 22, 2025. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 97% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.10.1.37, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.12.3.2, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.13.1.7.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
97%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-3187 brief as a PDF
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Description
A vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct directory traversal attacks and obtain read and delete access to sensitive files on a targeted system. The vulnerability is due to a lack of proper input validation of the HTTP URL. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request containing directory traversal character sequences. An exploit could allow the attacker to view or delete arbitrary files on the targeted system. When the device is reloaded after exploitation of this vulnerability, any files that were deleted are restored. The attacker can only view and delete files within the web services file system. This file system is enabled when the affected device is configured with either WebVPN or AnyConnect features. This vulnerability can not be used to obtain access to ASA or FTD system files or underlying operating system (OS) files. Reloading the affected device will restore all files within the web services file system.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | May 22, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
16 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Firepower Threat DefenseCisco | See advisory | 6.2.3.16 |
| Secure Firewall Threat DefenseCisco | See advisory | 6.2.3.16 |
| Adaptive Security Appliance SoftwareCisco | See advisory | 9.6.4.40 |
| Asa 5505 FirmwareCisco | 9.6\(4\) | n/a |
| Asa 5510 FirmwareCisco | 9.6\(4\) | n/a |
Patched Releases
Adaptive Security Appliance Software
9.10.1.37, 9.12.3.2, 9.13.1.7, 9.6.4.40, 9.8.4.15, 9.9.2.66
Firepower Threat Defense
6.2.3.16
Secure Firewall Threat Defense
6.2.3.16, 6.3.0.6, 6.4.0.8, 6.5.0.4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 6, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 22, 2025
Last updated
Aug 11, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisory20200506 Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance Software and Firepower Threat Defense Software Web Services Path Traversal Vulnerability
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158648/Cisco-Adaptive-Security-Appliance-Software-9.7-Arbitrary-File-Deletion.html
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitExploitDB-48723
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct directory traversal attacks and obtain read and delete access to sensitive files on a targeted system.
Affected: Firepower Threat Defense (Cisco); Secure Firewall Threat Defense (Cisco); Adaptive Security Appliance Software (Cisco), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 22, 2025.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.10.1.37, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.12.3.2, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.13.1.7.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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