PatchTheCVECVE-2020-10870: Zim through 0.72.1 creates temporary directories with predictable names
CVE-2020-10870 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting zim. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Zim through 0.72.1 creates temporary directories with predictable names. A malicious user could predict and create Zim's temporary directories and prevent other users from being able to start Zim, resulting in a denial of service.
Why this priority
- No elevated risk signals yet
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.5 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.3% (top 74%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-330 |
| Published | 2020-03-23 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2020-10870?
zim: upgrade to newer than 0.72.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-10870 being exploited?
CVE-2020-10870 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-2020-10870 affect?
CVE-2020-10870 affects zim. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). Zim through 0.72.1 creates temporary directories with predictable names. A malicious user could predict and create Zim's temporary directories and prevent other users from being able to start Zim, resulting in a denial of service.
How urgent is CVE-2020-10870?
Priority 26/100. No elevated risk signals yet.