CVE-2020-10288: IRC5 exposes an ftp server (port 21)

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-10288 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting robotware. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

IRC5 exposes an ftp server (port 21). Upon attempting to gain access you are challenged with a request of username and password, however you can input whatever you like. As long as the field isn't empty it will be accepted.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.4% (top 27%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-284, CWE-287
Published	2020-07-15
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Alias Robotics S.L. · Vendor: abb

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-07-15 23:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

abb robotware DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.09

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.09

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy robotware || rpm -q robotware || robotware --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.09 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison robotware sudo apt install robotware=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.09> sudo apt-mark hold robotware

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list robotware sudo dnf downgrade robotware-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.09> sudo dnf versionlock add robotware

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2020-10288?

robotware: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-10288 being exploited?

CVE-2020-10288 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2020-10288 affect?

CVE-2020-10288 affects robotware. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). IRC5 exposes an ftp server (port 21). Upon attempting to gain access you are challenged with a request of username and password, however you can input whatever you like. As long as the field isn't empty it will be accepted.

How urgent is CVE-2020-10288?

Priority 58/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

ABB vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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CVE-2024-1913 HIGH 7.6 UPGRADE An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could cause the robot to stop, make the robot co

References

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