CVE-2020-1991: An insecure temporary file vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Traps allows a local authenticated Windows user

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2020-1991 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting traps. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An insecure temporary file vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Traps allows a local authenticated Windows user to escalate privileges or overwrite system files. This issue affects Palo Alto Networks Traps 5.0 versions before 5.0.8; 6.1 versions before 6.1.4 on Windows. This issue does not affect Cortex XDR 7.0. This issue does not affect Traps for Linux or MacOS.

Why this priority

High severity

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	0.3% (top 80%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-377, CWE-269
Published	2020-04-08
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Palo Alto Networks, Inc. · Vendor: paloaltonetworks

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-04-08 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

paloaltonetworks traps UPGRADE

Affected: >= 5.0 and < 5.0.8 · >= 6.1 and < 6.1.4

Fixed in: 5.0.8, 6.1.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 5.0.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade traps

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade traps

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 5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison traps sudo apt install traps=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0> sudo apt-mark hold traps

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

dnf --showduplicates list traps sudo dnf downgrade traps-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add traps

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-2020-1991?

traps: upgrade to 5.0.8, 6.1.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-1991 being exploited?

CVE-2020-1991 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-2020-1991 affect?

CVE-2020-1991 affects traps. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An insecure temporary file vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Traps allows a local authenticated Windows user to escalate privileges or overwrite system files. This issue affects Palo Alto Networks Traps 5.0 versions before 5.0.8; 6.1 vers

How urgent is CVE-2020-1991?

Priority 32/100. High severity

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities · macOS vulnerabilities · Palo Alto PAN-OS vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-1577 MEDIUM 6.3 UPGRADE Code injection vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Traps 5.0.5 and earlier may allow an authenticated attacker
CVE-2017-7408 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Palo Alto Networks Traps ESM Console before 3.4.4 allows attackers to cause a denial of service by leveraging
CVE-2015-2223 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the web-based console management interface in Palo Alto

References

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