CVE-2020-13531: A use-after-free vulnerability exists in a way Pixar OpenUSD 20.08 processes reference paths textual USD files

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HIGH 8.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-13531 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting openusd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in a way Pixar OpenUSD 20.08 processes reference paths textual USD files. A specially crafted file can trigger the reuse of a freed memory which can result in further memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. To trigger this vulnerability, the victim needs to open an attacker-provided malformed file.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.8% (top 14%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2020-12-03
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: pixar

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-12-03 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:53 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pixar openusd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 20.08

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 20.08

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 20.08 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison openusd sudo apt install openusd=<VERSION_BEFORE_20.08> sudo apt-mark hold openusd

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

dnf --showduplicates list openusd sudo dnf downgrade openusd-<VERSION_BEFORE_20.08> sudo dnf versionlock add openusd

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-2020-13531?

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

Is CVE-2020-13531 being exploited?

CVE-2020-13531 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-2020-13531 affect?

CVE-2020-13531 affects openusd. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). A use-after-free vulnerability exists in a way Pixar OpenUSD 20.08 processes reference paths textual USD files. A specially crafted file can trigger the reuse of a freed memory which can result in further memory corruption and arbitrary cod

How urgent is CVE-2020-13531?

Priority 57/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2020-6156 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE A heap overflow vulnerability exists in Pixar OpenUSD 20.05 when the software parses compressed sections in bi
CVE-2020-6155 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE A heap overflow vulnerability exists in the Pixar OpenUSD 20.05 while parsing compressed value rep arrays in b
CVE-2020-6150 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE A heap overflow vulnerability exists in Pixar OpenUSD 20.05 when the software USDC file format SPECS section d
CVE-2020-6149 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE A heap overflow vulnerability exists in Pixar OpenUSD 20.05 when the software parses compressed sections in bi
CVE-2020-6148 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE A heap overflow vulnerability exists in Pixar OpenUSD 20.05 when the software parses compressed sections in bi

References

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