CVE-2020-26050: SaferVPN for Windows Ver 5.0.3.3 through 5.0.4.15 could allow local privilege escalation from low privileged u

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2020-26050 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting safervpn. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

SaferVPN for Windows Ver 5.0.3.3 through 5.0.4.15 could allow local privilege escalation from low privileged users to SYSTEM via a crafted openssl configuration file. This issue is similar to CVE-2019-12572.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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	0.6% (top 52%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-427
Published	2021-01-12
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: safervpn

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-01-12 03:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

safervpn safervpn UPGRADE

Affected: >= 5.0.3.3 and <= 5.0.4.15

Fixed in: newer than 5.0.4.15

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0.3.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 5.0.4.15 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade safervpn

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 5.0.3.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison safervpn sudo apt install safervpn=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.3.3> sudo apt-mark hold safervpn

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

dnf --showduplicates list safervpn sudo dnf downgrade safervpn-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.3.3> sudo dnf versionlock add safervpn

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-2020-26050?

safervpn: upgrade to newer than 5.0.4.15. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-26050 being exploited?

CVE-2020-26050 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-2020-26050 affect?

CVE-2020-26050 affects safervpn. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). SaferVPN for Windows Ver 5.0.3.3 through 5.0.4.15 could allow local privilege escalation from low privileged users to SYSTEM via a crafted openssl configuration file. This issue is similar to CVE-2019-12572.

How urgent is CVE-2020-26050?

Priority 44/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

OpenSSL vulnerabilities · Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2020-25744 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE SaferVPN before 5.0.3.3 on Windows could allow low-privileged users to create or overwrite arbitrary files, wh
CVE-2018-10647 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE SaferVPN 4.2.5 for Windows suffers from a SYSTEM privilege escalation vulnerability in its "SaferVPN.Service"

References

← Back to latest CVEs