CVE-2020-36167

9.3 CRITICAL 0.5% exploit odds Fix listed Code execution Server

What it is

An issue was discovered in the server in Veritas Backup Exec through 16.2, 20.6 before hotfix 298543, and 21.1 before hotfix 657517. On start-up, it loads the OpenSSL library from the Installation folder. This library in turn attempts to load the /usr/local/ssl/openssl.cnf configuration file, which may not exist. On Windows systems, this path could translate to <drive>:\usr\local\ssl\openssl.cnf. A low privileged user can create a :\usr\local\ssl\openssl.cnf configuration file to load a malicious OpenSSL engine, resulting in arbitrary code execution as SYSTEM when the service starts. This gives the attacker administrator access on the system, allowing the attacker (by default) to access all data, access all installed applications, etc. If the system is also an Active Directory domain controller, then this can affect the entire domain.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2021-01-06 01:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 03:14 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 9.3 CRITICAL (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2021-01-06 01:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 03:14 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-434 · Unrestricted file upload
Record status: Modified

Affected

Veritas Backup Exec < 20.0.1188.2734
Veritas Backup Exec < 21.0.1200.1217

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.3

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: None
User interaction: None
Scope: Changed
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: High
Availability: High

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

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-2020-36167.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-36167. 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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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record