CVE-2020-8260
HighExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R9 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to perform an arbitrary code execution using uncontrolled gzip extraction.
Published Oct 28, 2020 · Updated Dec 17, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-8260 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v3.1) affecting Connect Secure (Ivanti), Pulse Connect Secure / Pulse Policy Secure.
- 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 96% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Connect 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)
96%
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
Get the full CVE-2020-8260 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R9 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to perform an arbitrary code execution using uncontrolled gzip extraction.
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
17 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Connect SecureIvanti | 9.1, 9.1-r1.0, 9.1-r2.0, 9.1-r3.0, 9.1-r4.0, 9.1-r4.1, 9.1-r4.2, 9.1-r4.3 | 9.0 |
| Pulse Connect Secure / Pulse Policy Secure | >= 9.1R9 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Connect Secure
<=9.0
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 28, 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-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
References
- advisoryhttps://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44601
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160619/Pulse-Secure-VPN-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in the Pulse Connect Secure < 9.1R9 admin web interface could allow an authenticated attacker to perform an arbitrary code execution using uncontrolled gzip extraction.
Affected: Connect Secure (Ivanti) versions 9.1, 9.1-r1.0, 9.1-r2.0, 9.1-r3.0, 9.1-r4.0, 9.1-r4.1, 9.1-r4.2, 9.1-r4.3; Pulse Connect Secure / Pulse Policy Secure versions >= 9.1R9. 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, Connect Secure 9.0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2020-8260 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo