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CVE-2020-3452

KEVCisco ASA and FTD Read-Only Path Traversal Vulnerability

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) contain an improper input validation vulnerability when HTTP requests process URLs. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request containing directory traversal character sequences to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view arbitrary files within the web services file system on the targeted device.

A vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct directory traversal attacks and read sensitive files on a targeted system. The vulnerability is due to a lack of proper input validation of URLs in HTTP requests processed by an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request containing directory traversal character sequences to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view arbitrary files within the web services file system on the targeted device. The web services file system is enabled when the affected device is configured with either WebVPN or AnyConnect features. This vulnerability cannot be used to obtain access to ASA or FTD system files or underlying operating system (OS) files.

CVSS 3.1 vectorCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
PublishedJul 22, 2020
Last modifiedAug 11, 2026
Added to KEVNov 3, 2021
Remediation dueMay 3, 2022
    77
    Risk assessment · High

    Actively exploited. Patch immediately.

    Exploitation
    Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
    Federal remediation deadline
    Overdue by 1638 days
    CVSS
    7.5 HIGH
    EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
    100.0% · top 1% of all CVEs
    Weakness
    CWE-20
    Attack vector
    Network, remotely reachable
    Preconditions
    No privileges and no user interaction
    1. 1.Apply updates per vendor instructions.
    2. 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
    3. 3.Review exposure: confirm which instances are reachable from the internet and restrict access until patched.
    4. 4.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.

    Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.