CVE-2020-3452
HighExploitedPublic 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 read sensitive files on a targeted…
Published Jul 22, 2020 · Updated Aug 11, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-3452 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Firepower Threat Defense (Cisco), Secure Firewall Threat Defense (Cisco), Adaptive Security Appliance Software (Cisco) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software 9.10.1.42, Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software 9.13.1.10, Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software 9.14.1.10.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
100%
Higher than 99.9% 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-2020-3452 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 read sensitive files on a targeted system. The vulnerability is due to a lack of proper input validation of URLs in HTTP requests processed by an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request containing directory traversal character sequences to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view arbitrary files within the web services file system on the targeted device. The web services file system is enabled when the affected device is configured with either WebVPN or AnyConnect features. This vulnerability cannot be used to obtain access to ASA or FTD system files or underlying operating system (OS) files.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | 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
4 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 | 9.6.4.42 |
| Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software | >= unspecified | 9.6.4.42 |
Patched Releases
Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software
9.10.1.42, 9.13.1.10, 9.14.1.10, 9.6.4.42, 9.8.4.20, 9.9.2.74
Adaptive Security Appliance Software
9.10.1.42, 9.12.3.12, 9.13.1.10, 9.14.1.10, 9.6.4.42, 9.8.4.20, 9.9.2.74
Firepower Threat Defense
6.2.3.16
Secure Firewall Threat Defense
6.2.3.16, 6.3.0.6, 6.4.0.10, 6.5.0.5, 6.6.0.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 22, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Aug 11, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158646/Cisco-ASA-FTD-Remote-File-Disclosure.html
- advisory20200722 Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance Software and Firepower Threat Defense Software Web Services Read-Only Path Traversal Vulnerability
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158647/Cisco-Adaptive-Security-Appliance-Software-9.11-Local-File-Inclusion.html
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159523/Cisco-ASA-FTD-9.6.4.42-Path-Traversal.html
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160497/Cisco-ASA-9.14.1.10-FTD-6.6.0.1-Path-Traversal.html
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 read 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 CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021.
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 Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software 9.10.1.42, Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software 9.13.1.10, Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software 9.14.1.10.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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