CVE-2020-3514

What it is

A vulnerability in the multi-instance feature of Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to escape the container for their Cisco FTD instance and execute commands with root privileges in the host namespace. The attacker must have valid credentials on the device.The vulnerability exists because a configuration file that is used at container startup has insufficient protections. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by modifying a specific container configuration file on the underlying file system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands with root privileges within the host namespace. This could allow the attacker to impact other running Cisco FTD instances or the host Cisco FXOS device.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2020-10-21 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-08-11 19:33 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-10-21 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-08-11 19:33 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-216

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center < 6.6.1
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense < 6.3.0.6
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense < 6.4.0.10
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense < 6.5.0.5
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 6.6.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.2

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2020-3514.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-3514. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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