CVE-2020-1742: An insecure modification vulnerability flaw was found in containers using nmstate/kubernetes-nmstate-handler

Routine

HIGH 7.0WATCHLISTUPGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-1742 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.0) affecting kubernetes-nmstate, openshift virtualization. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An insecure modification vulnerability flaw was found in containers using nmstate/kubernetes-nmstate-handler. An attacker with access to the container could use this flaw to modify /etc/passwd and escalate their privileges. Versions before kubernetes-nmstate-handler-container-v2.3.0-30 are affected.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.0 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 83%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-266, CWE-732
Published	2021-06-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: nmstate · redhat

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-06-07 20:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nmstate kubernetes-nmstate UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.3.0

Fixed in: 2.3.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy kubernetes-nmstate || rpm -q kubernetes-nmstate || kubernetes-nmstate --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade kubernetes-nmstate

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade kubernetes-nmstate

Note

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

redhat openshift virtualization DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy openshift-virtualization || rpm -q openshift-virtualization || openshift-virtualization --version

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

apt-cache madison openshift-virtualization sudo apt install openshift-virtualization=<VERSION_BEFORE_2> sudo apt-mark hold openshift-virtualization

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

dnf --showduplicates list openshift-virtualization sudo dnf downgrade openshift-virtualization-<VERSION_BEFORE_2> sudo dnf versionlock add openshift-virtualization

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-2020-1742?

kubernetes-nmstate: upgrade to 2.3.0; openshift virtualization: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-1742 being exploited?

CVE-2020-1742 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-2020-1742 affect?

CVE-2020-1742 affects kubernetes-nmstate, openshift virtualization. Severity is high (CVSS 7.0). An insecure modification vulnerability flaw was found in containers using nmstate/kubernetes-nmstate-handler. An attacker with access to the container could use this flaw to modify /etc/passwd and escalate their privileges. Versions before

How urgent is CVE-2020-1742?

Priority 39/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Kubernetes vulnerabilities · Red Hat OpenShift vulnerabilities

References

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