CVE-2020-15397: HylaFAX+ through 7.0.2 and HylaFAX Enterprise have scripts that execute binaries from directories writable by

Q: How do I fix CVE-2020-15397?

hylafax\+: upgrade to newer than 7.0.2; hylafax enterprise: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2020-15397 being exploited?

CVE-2020-15397 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2020-15397 affect?

CVE-2020-15397 affects hylafax\+, hylafax enterprise. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). HylaFAX+ through 7.0.2 and HylaFAX Enterprise have scripts that execute binaries from directories writable by unprivileged users (e.g., locations under /var/spool/hylafax that are writable by the uucp account). This allows these users to ex

Q: How urgent is CVE-2020-15397?

Priority 44/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2020-15397 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting hylafax\+, hylafax enterprise. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

HylaFAX+ through 7.0.2 and HylaFAX Enterprise have scripts that execute binaries from directories writable by unprivileged users (e.g., locations under /var/spool/hylafax that are writable by the uucp account). This allows these users to execute code in the context of the user calling these binaries (often root).

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 55%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-732
Published	2020-06-30
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: hylafax\+ project · ifax

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-06-30 12:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

hylafax\+ project hylafax\+ UPGRADE

Affected: <= 7.0.2

Fixed in: newer than 7.0.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy hylafax+ || rpm -q hylafax+ || hylafax+ --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 7.0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade hylafax+

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade hylafax+

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

ifax hylafax enterprise 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 hylafax-enterprise || rpm -q hylafax-enterprise || hylafax-enterprise --version

No fixed or unaffected release known

Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.

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-2020-15397?

hylafax\+: upgrade to newer than 7.0.2; hylafax enterprise: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-15397 being exploited?

CVE-2020-15397 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-2020-15397 affect?

CVE-2020-15397 affects hylafax\+, hylafax enterprise. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). HylaFAX+ through 7.0.2 and HylaFAX Enterprise have scripts that execute binaries from directories writable by unprivileged users (e.g., locations under /var/spool/hylafax that are writable by the uucp account). This allows these users to ex

How urgent is CVE-2020-15397?

Priority 44/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

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References

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