CVE-2020-35463: Version 1.0.0 of the Instana Dynamic APM Docker image contains a blank password for the root user

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEWATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-35463 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting dynamic apm. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Version 1.0.0 of the Instana Dynamic APM Docker image contains a blank password for the root user. Systems deployed using affected versions of the Instana Dynamic APM container may allow a remote attacker to achieve root access with a blank password.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.1% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-306
Published	2020-12-15
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: instana

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-12-15 23:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

instana dynamic apm DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy dynamic-apm || rpm -q dynamic-apm || dynamic-apm --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison dynamic-apm sudo apt install dynamic-apm=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold dynamic-apm

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

dnf --showduplicates list dynamic-apm sudo dnf downgrade dynamic-apm-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add dynamic-apm

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-2020-35463?

dynamic apm: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-35463 being exploited?

CVE-2020-35463 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-2020-35463 affect?

CVE-2020-35463 affects dynamic apm. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Version 1.0.0 of the Instana Dynamic APM Docker image contains a blank password for the root user. Systems deployed using affected versions of the Instana Dynamic APM container may allow a remote attacker to achieve root access with a blank

How urgent is CVE-2020-35463?

Priority 65/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

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References

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