CVE-2020-36169

9.3 CRITICAL 0.5% exploit odds Fix listed Code execution Server

What it is

An issue was discovered in Veritas NetBackup through 8.3.0.1 and OpsCenter through 8.3.0.1. Processes using OpenSSL attempt to load and execute libraries from paths that do not exist by default on the Windows operating system. By default, on Windows systems, users can create directories under the top level of any drive. If a low privileged user creates an affected path with a library that the Veritas product attempts to load, they can execute arbitrary code as SYSTEM or Administrator. This gives the attacker administrator access on the system, allowing the attacker (by default) to access all data, access all installed applications, etc. This vulnerability affects master servers, media servers, clients, and OpsCenter servers on the Windows platform. The system is vulnerable during an install or upgrade and post-install during normal operations.

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
Record status: Modified

Affected

Veritas Netbackup ≤ 8.3.0.1
Veritas Opscenter ≤ 8.3.0.1

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-2020-36169.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-36169. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

· More options · Status badge

Download Square Reddit

Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record