PatchTheCVECVE-2020-12859: Unnecessary fields in the OpenTrace/BlueTrace protocol in COVIDSafe through v1.0.17 allow a remote attacker to
CVE-2020-12859 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting covidsafe. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Unnecessary fields in the OpenTrace/BlueTrace protocol in COVIDSafe through v1.0.17 allow a remote attacker to identify a device model by observing cleartext payload data. This allows re-identification of devices, especially less common phone models or those in low-density situations.
Why this priority
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.3 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.7% (top 47%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-312 |
| Published | 2020-05-18 |
| 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-2020-12859?
covidsafe: upgrade to newer than 1.0.17. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-12859 being exploited?
CVE-2020-12859 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-2020-12859 affect?
CVE-2020-12859 affects covidsafe. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). Unnecessary fields in the OpenTrace/BlueTrace protocol in COVIDSafe through v1.0.17 allow a remote attacker to identify a device model by observing cleartext payload data. This allows re-identification of devices, especially less common pho
How urgent is CVE-2020-12859?
Priority 37/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
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