CVE-2020-3259
Cisco ASA and FTD Information Disclosure Vulnerability
Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and Firepower Threat Defense (FTD)
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 retrieve memory contents on an affected device, which could lead to the disclosure of confidential information. The vulnerability is due to a buffer tracking issue when the software parses invalid URLs that are requested from the web services interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted GET request to the web services interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to retrieve memory contents, which could lead to the disclosure of confidential information. Note: This vulnerability affects only specific AnyConnect and WebVPN configurations. For more information, see the Vulnerable Products section.
Ransomware groups exploiting CVE-2020-3259
The Akira ransomware group is said to have emerged in March 2023, and there's much speculation about its ties to the former CONTI ransomware group. It's worth noting that with the end of CONTI's operation, several affiliates migrated to independent campaigns s
Exploitation is attributed to these groups across their recorded activity. It does not follow that every organisation they listed was reached through CVE-2020-3259 — the source data does not record an entry point per incident.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 15 February 2024. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 7 March 2024. CISA records this vulnerability as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 69.3%, which is higher than 99.3% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Recent listings by these groups
Disclosures from the groups above, newest first.
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2020-3259 being exploited by ransomware groups?
Yes. CVE-2020-3259 is recorded as exploited by Akira. Between them these groups account for 1,407 victim disclosures in this database. CISA also records this vulnerability as used in ransomware campaigns.
What does CVE-2020-3259 affect?
CVE-2020-3259 affects Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and Firepower Threat Defense (FTD). 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 retrieve memory contents on an affected device, which could lead to the disclosure of confidential information. The vulnerability is due to a buffer tracking issue when the software parses invalid URLs that are requested from the web services interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted GET request to the web services interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to retrieve memory contents, which could lead to the disclosure of confidential information. Note: This vulnerability affects only specific AnyConnect and WebVPN configurations. For more information, see the Vulnerable Products section.
How severe is CVE-2020-3259?
CVE-2020-3259 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.5. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 69.3%, higher than 99.3% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 7 March 2024.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2020-3259?
Apply the vendor patch for Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.