CVE-2020-26037: Directory Traversal vulnerability in Server functionalty in Even Balance Punkbuster version 1.902 before 1.905

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-26037 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting punkbuster. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Directory Traversal vulnerability in Server functionalty in Even Balance Punkbuster version 1.902 before 1.905 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.2% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2023-08-16
Last modified	2026-07-09

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: evenbalance

Last updated 2026-07-09 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-08-16 13:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-09 00:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

evenbalance punkbuster UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.902 and < 1.905

Fixed in: 1.905

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.902

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.905 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade punkbuster

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 1.902 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison punkbuster sudo apt install punkbuster=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.902> sudo apt-mark hold punkbuster

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

dnf --showduplicates list punkbuster sudo dnf downgrade punkbuster-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.902> sudo dnf versionlock add punkbuster

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-2020-26037?

punkbuster: upgrade to 1.905. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-26037 being exploited?

CVE-2020-26037 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-2020-26037 affect?

CVE-2020-26037 affects punkbuster. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Directory Traversal vulnerability in Server functionalty in Even Balance Punkbuster version 1.902 before 1.905 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

How urgent is CVE-2020-26037?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2009-3924 HIGH 9.3 MITIGATE UPGRADE Buffer overflow in pbsv.dll, as used in Soldier of Fortune II and possibly other applications when Even Balanc
CVE-2006-2587 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in the WebTool HTTP server component in (1) PunkBuster before 1.229, as used by multiple produ
CVE-2006-0771 MEDIUM 6.4 UPGRADE Format string vulnerability in PunkBuster 1.180 and earlier, as used by Soldier of Fortune II and possibly oth

References

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