CVE-2020-7868: A remote code execution vulnerability exists in helpUS(remote administration tool) due to improper validation

This month

CRITICAL 9.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-7868 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.6) affecting helpu. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in helpUS(remote administration tool) due to improper validation of parameter of ShellExecutionExA function used for login.

Why this priority

Critical severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.6 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.7% (top 14%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-141
Published	2021-06-29
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): KrCERT/CC · Vendor: helpu

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-06-29 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:25 UTCUpdated Record last modified

helpu helpu DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2020.6.27.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2020.6.27.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2020.6.27.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison helpu sudo apt install helpu=<VERSION_BEFORE_2020.6.27.1> sudo apt-mark hold helpu

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

dnf --showduplicates list helpu sudo dnf downgrade helpu-<VERSION_BEFORE_2020.6.27.1> sudo dnf versionlock add helpu

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-2020-7868?

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

Is CVE-2020-7868 being exploited?

CVE-2020-7868 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-2020-7868 affect?

CVE-2020-7868 affects helpu. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.6). A remote code execution vulnerability exists in helpUS(remote administration tool) due to improper validation of parameter of ShellExecutionExA function used for login.

How urgent is CVE-2020-7868?

Priority 55/100. Critical severity

References

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