CVE-2020-14378: An integer underflow in dpdk versions before 18.11.10 and before 19.11.5 in the `move_desc` function can lead

Routine

LOW 3.3WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2020-14378 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.3) affecting data plane development kit, ubuntu linux, leap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An integer underflow in dpdk versions before 18.11.10 and before 19.11.5 in the `move_desc` function can lead to large amounts of CPU cycles being eaten up in a long running loop. An attacker could cause `move_desc` to get stuck in a 4,294,967,295-count iteration loop. Depending on how `vhost_crypto` is being used this could prevent other VMs or network tasks from being serviced by the busy DPDK lcore for an extended period.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.3 (Low)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-191
Published	2020-09-30
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: canonical · dpdk · opensuse

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-09-30 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:54 UTCUpdated Record last modified

dpdk data plane development kit UPGRADE

Affected: >= 18.02.1 and < 18.11.10 · >= 19.02 and < 19.11.5

Fixed in: 18.11.10, 19.11.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 18.02.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy data-plane-development-kit || rpm -q data-plane-development-kit || data-plane-development-kit --version

2. UPGRADE to 18.11.10 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade data-plane-development-kit

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade data-plane-development-kit

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 18.02.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison data-plane-development-kit sudo apt install data-plane-development-kit=<VERSION_BEFORE_18.02.1> sudo apt-mark hold data-plane-development-kit

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list data-plane-development-kit sudo dnf downgrade data-plane-development-kit-<VERSION_BEFORE_18.02.1> sudo dnf versionlock add data-plane-development-kit

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.

canonical ubuntu linux MITIGATE

Affected: 20.04

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 20.04

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.

opensuse leap MITIGATE

Affected: 15.1 · 15.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 15.1

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.

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-2020-14378?

data plane development kit: upgrade to 18.11.10, 19.11.5; ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; leap: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-14378 being exploited?

CVE-2020-14378 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-2020-14378 affect?

CVE-2020-14378 affects data plane development kit, ubuntu linux, leap. Severity is low (CVSS 3.3). An integer underflow in dpdk versions before 18.11.10 and before 19.11.5 in the `move_desc` function can lead to large amounts of CPU cycles being eaten up in a long running loop. An attacker could cause `move_desc` to get stuck in a 4,294,

How urgent is CVE-2020-14378?

Priority 25/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Ubuntu vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-2132 HIGH 8.6 UPGRADE MITIGATE A permissive list of allowed inputs flaw was found in DPDK
CVE-2022-28199 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE NVIDIA’s distribution of the Data Plane Development Kit (MLNX_DPDK) contains a vulnerability in the network st
CVE-2022-0669 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE DOWNGRADE A flaw was found in dpdk
CVE-2021-3839 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE MITIGATE A flaw was found in the vhost library in DPDK
CVE-2020-14377 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE MITIGATE A flaw was found in dpdk in versions before 18.11.10 and before 19.11.5

References

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