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CVE-2020-12667: Knot Resolver before 5.1.1 allows traffic amplification via a crafted DNS answer from an attacker-controlled s

53
This month
HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-12667 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting knot resolver. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Knot Resolver before 5.1.1 allows traffic amplification via a crafted DNS answer from an attacker-controlled server, aka an "NXNSAttack" issue. This is triggered by random subdomains in the NSDNAME in NS records.

Why this priority

  • High severity
  • Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score7.5 (High)
Attack vectorNetwork (remote)
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededNone
User interactionNone
EPSS exploit chance2.6% (top 15%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-400
Published2020-05-19
Last modified2026-06-17
Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: nic

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

nic knot resolver UPGRADE
Affected: < 5.1.1
Fixed in: 5.1.1
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy knot-resolver || rpm -q knot-resolver || knot-resolver --version
2. UPGRADE to 5.1.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade knot-resolver
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade knot-resolver
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
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-2020-12667?

knot resolver: upgrade to 5.1.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-12667 being exploited?

CVE-2020-12667 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-2020-12667 affect?

CVE-2020-12667 affects knot resolver. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Knot Resolver before 5.1.1 allows traffic amplification via a crafted DNS answer from an attacker-controlled server, aka an "NXNSAttack" issue. This is triggered by random subdomains in the NSDNAME in NS records.

How urgent is CVE-2020-12667?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

References

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