CVE-2020-8243
HighExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R8.2 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to upload custom template to perform an arbitrary code execution.
Published Sep 30, 2020 · Updated Dec 17, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-8243 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v3.1) affecting Connect Secure (Ivanti), Policy Secure (Ivanti), Pulse Connect Secre.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 20, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 91% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Connect Secure <=9.0, Policy Secure <=9.0, Connect Secure 9.0.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.2
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
91%
Higher than 99.8% 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
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Description
A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R8.2 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to upload custom template to perform an arbitrary code execution.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 20, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| 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
29 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Connect SecureIvanti | 9.1, 9.1-r1, 9.1-r2, 9.1-r3, 9.1-r4, 9.1-r4.1, 9.1-r4.2, 9.1-r4.3 | 9.0 |
| Policy SecureIvanti | 9.1, 9.1-r1, 9.1-r2, 9.1-r3, 9.1-r4, 9.1-r4.1, 9.1-r4.2, 9.1-r4.3 | 9.0 |
| Pulse Connect Secre | >= Fixed in 9.1R8.2 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Connect Secure
<=9.0
Policy Secure
<=9.0
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 30, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 20, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Dec 17, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44588
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R8.2 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to upload custom template to perform an arbitrary code execution.
Affected: Connect Secure (Ivanti) versions 9.1, 9.1-r1, 9.1-r2, 9.1-r3, 9.1-r4, 9.1-r4.1, 9.1-r4.2, 9.1-r4.3; Policy Secure (Ivanti) versions 9.1, 9.1-r1, 9.1-r2, 9.1-r3, 9.1-r4, 9.1-r4.1, 9.1-r4.2, 9.1-r4.3; Pulse Connect Secre versions >= Fixed in 9.1R8.2. 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 Apr 20, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
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 Connect Secure <=9.0, Policy Secure <=9.0, Connect Secure 9.0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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