CVE-2020-16163: An issue was discovered in RIPE NCC RPKI Validator 3.x before 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28

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CRITICAL 9.1REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-16163 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting rpki validator 3. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An issue was discovered in RIPE NCC RPKI Validator 3.x before 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28. RRDP fetches proceed even with a lack of validation of a TLS HTTPS endpoint. This allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions, or to trigger denial of service to traffic directed to co-dependent routing systems. NOTE: third parties assert that the behavior is intentionally permitted by RFC 8182

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.1 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.3% (top 30%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-295
Published	2020-07-30
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ripe

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-07-30 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ripe rpki validator 3 UPGRADE

Affected: >= 3.0 and <= 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28

Fixed in: newer than 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy rpki-validator-3 || rpm -q rpki-validator-3 || rpki-validator-3 --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade rpki-validator-3

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade rpki-validator-3

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 3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rpki-validator-3 sudo apt install rpki-validator-3=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0> sudo apt-mark hold rpki-validator-3

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

dnf --showduplicates list rpki-validator-3 sudo dnf downgrade rpki-validator-3-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add rpki-validator-3

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-2020-16163?

rpki validator 3: upgrade to newer than 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-16163 being exploited?

CVE-2020-16163 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-2020-16163 affect?

CVE-2020-16163 affects rpki validator 3. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). An issue was discovered in RIPE NCC RPKI Validator 3.x before 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28. RRDP fetches proceed even with a lack of validation of a TLS HTTPS endpoint. This allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions, or to trig

How urgent is CVE-2020-16163?

Priority 54/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2020-16164 HIGH 7.4 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in RIPE NCC RPKI Validator 3.x through 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28
CVE-2020-16162 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in RIPE NCC RPKI Validator 3.x through 3.1-2020.07.06.14.28

References

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