PatchTheCVECVE-2020-11868: ntpd in ntp before 4.2.8p14 and 4.3.x before 4.3.100 allows an off-path attacker to block unauthenticated sync
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HIGH 7.5REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE
CVE-2020-11868 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ntp, enterprise linux, data ontap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
ntpd in ntp before 4.2.8p14 and 4.3.x before 4.3.100 allows an off-path attacker to block unauthenticated synchronization via a server mode packet with a spoofed source IP address, because transmissions are rescheduled even when a packet lacks a valid origin timestamp.
Why this priority
- High severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.5 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 2.1% (top 18%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-346 |
| Published | 2020-04-17 |
| 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
ntp ntp UPGRADE
Affected: <= 4.2.7 · >= 4.3.98 and < 4.3.100 · 4.2.8 · 4.2.8 p1 · 4.2.8 p1-beta1 · 4.2.8 p1-beta2 · 4.2.8 p1-beta3 · 4.2.8 p1-beta4
Fixed in: 4.3.100
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.2.8
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy ntp || rpm -q ntp || ntp --version
2. UPGRADE to 4.3.100 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade ntp
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade ntp
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.2.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison ntp
sudo apt install ntp=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.2.8>
sudo apt-mark hold ntp
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list ntp
sudo dnf downgrade ntp-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.2.8>
sudo dnf versionlock add ntp
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.
redhat enterprise linux MITIGATE
Affected: 7.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
netapp data ontap MITIGATE
Affected: all versions
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy data-ontap || rpm -q data-ontap || data-ontap --version
No fixed or unaffected release known
Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.
netapp hci management node MITIGATE
Affected: all versions
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy hci-management-node || rpm -q hci-management-node || hci-management-node --version
No fixed or unaffected release known
Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.
netapp solidfire MITIGATE
Affected: all versions
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy solidfire || rpm -q solidfire || solidfire --version
No fixed or unaffected release known
Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.
netapp vasa provider for clustered data ontap DOWNGRADE
Affected: >= 7.2
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.2
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap || rpm -q vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap || vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap
sudo apt install vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.2>
sudo apt-mark hold vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap
sudo dnf downgrade vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.2>
sudo dnf versionlock add vasa-provider-for-clustered-data-ontap
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.
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-2020-11868?
ntp: upgrade to 4.3.100; enterprise linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; data ontap: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-11868 being exploited?
CVE-2020-11868 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-2020-11868 affect?
CVE-2020-11868 affects ntp, enterprise linux, data ontap. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). ntpd in ntp before 4.2.8p14 and 4.3.x before 4.3.100 allows an off-path attacker to block unauthenticated synchronization via a server mode packet with a spoofed source IP address, because transmissions are rescheduled even when a packet la
How urgent is CVE-2020-11868?
Priority 57/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist
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