CVE-2020-24972: The Kleopatra component before 3.1.12 (and before 20.07.80) for GnuPG allows remote attackers to execute arbit

This month

HIGH 8.8UPGRADEMITIGATEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-24972 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting kleopatra, fedora, backports sle. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Kleopatra component before 3.1.12 (and before 20.07.80) for GnuPG allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code because openpgp4fpr: URLs are supported without safe handling of command-line options. The Qt platformpluginpath command-line option can be used to load an arbitrary DLL.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	4.9% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-116
Published	2020-08-29
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: fedoraproject · kleopatra project · opensuse

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-08-29 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:06 UTCUpdated Record last modified

kleopatra project kleopatra UPGRADE

Affected: < 20.07.80

Fixed in: 20.07.80

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 20.07.80 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade kleopatra

Note

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

fedoraproject fedora MITIGATE

Affected: 32

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 32

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 backports sle DOWNGRADE

Affected: 15.0 sp1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 15.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy backports-sle || rpm -q backports-sle || backports-sle --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 15.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison backports-sle sudo apt install backports-sle=<VERSION_BEFORE_15.0> sudo apt-mark hold backports-sle

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

dnf --showduplicates list backports-sle sudo dnf downgrade backports-sle-<VERSION_BEFORE_15.0> sudo dnf versionlock add backports-sle

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.

opensuse leap MITIGATE

Affected: 15.1

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-2020-24972?

kleopatra: upgrade to 20.07.80; fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; backports sle: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-24972 being exploited?

CVE-2020-24972 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-2020-24972 affect?

CVE-2020-24972 affects kleopatra, fedora, backports sle. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). The Kleopatra component before 3.1.12 (and before 20.07.80) for GnuPG allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code because openpgp4fpr: URLs are supported without safe handling of command-line options. The Qt platformpluginpath command

How urgent is CVE-2020-24972?

Priority 59/100. High severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

GnuPG vulnerabilities

References

← Back to latest CVEs