CVE-2020-5847 is a critical vulnerability affecting Unraid versions through 6.8.0, which allows for remote code execution (RCE). With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Unraid, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely and gain unauthorized access to systems. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability cannot be overstated, as it can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and system compromise.
The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on March 16, 2020, and has been categorized as critical due to its high CVSS score. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Unraid should prioritize patching efforts immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. The potential for exploitation is high, making this a pressing issue for cybersecurity teams.
Current intelligence indicates that the CVE is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, emphasizing the urgency for organizations to apply security updates and patches as soon as possible. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access and significant operational disruptions.
In light of the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations should not only patch the flaw but also review their overall security posture to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2020-5847 states that it allows for remote code execution on Unraid versions through 6.8.0. The vulnerability is characterized by its high CVSS score of 9.8, which classifies it as critical. The attack vector is network-based, allowing an attacker to exploit the vulnerability without needing physical access to the target system.
The vulnerability has been classified under CWE as NVD-CWE-Other, indicating a lack of specific categorization. The impact of this vulnerability is severe, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, meaning that any exploitation could severely compromise the affected systems.
The vulnerability was last modified on March 17, 2026, indicating ongoing relevance and potential updates in response to new threat intelligence.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2020-5847 lies in the insecure use of the extract PHP function within Unraid, which can be abused to execute arbitrary code as root. The attack vector is through the network, with low attack complexity, meaning that exploitation does not require significant skill or resources. Importantly, no privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, and it does not necessitate user interaction, making it particularly dangerous.
The potential impacts are extensive. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over affected systems, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential data loss. Organizations must be aware of the critical nature of this vulnerability and take appropriate steps to mitigate its risks.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2020-5847 is significant. Organizations utilizing Unraid versions through 6.8.0 face potential exposure to remote code execution attacks, which can lead to unauthorized access and control over their systems. The blast radius of such an attack could extend to critical data and system functionalities, posing a severe threat to operations.
Given the critical CVSS score of 9.8 and its inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations must prioritize addressing this vulnerability in their patch management processes. The potential for exploitation is high, and the urgency for remediation is critical. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments and implement necessary patches promptly.
The urgency for remediation is underscored by the high percentile score of 0.998 in the EPSS, indicating that the likelihood of exploitation is substantial. Organizations should not delay in implementing patches to mitigate this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Unraid prior to 6.8.0 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they are running the latest version to protect against potential exploitation.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Unraid to remediate this vulnerability. For those unable to immediately patch, consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to reduce exposure. Additional security measures include reviewing configurations and enabling logging to detect potential exploitation attempts.
For continuous protection, organizations may consider adopting continuous penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2020-5847, organizations should monitor logs for unusual activity, particularly around the times of attempted access to the Unraid system. Look for any unauthorized changes to system files and unusual outbound connections that may indicate remote code execution.
In addition, employing network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) can help identify malicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2020-5847 represents a trend toward increasing vulnerabilities in widely used software platforms. Its inclusion in the KEV catalog highlights the need for organizations to remain vigilant against such threats. Security teams should learn from this incident, ensuring that patch management processes are robust and that vulnerabilities are regularly assessed.
To enhance security measures, organizations could benefit from understanding how to implement a penetration testing methodology that incorporates lessons learned from vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-5847.
Furthermore, organizations should consider engaging in vulnerability management programs that proactively address security weaknesses across the organization.
Finally, continuous education on emerging threats, such as those leading to CVE-2020-5847, is essential for maintaining a strong security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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