CVE-2020-8508: nsak64.sys in Norman Malware Cleaner 2.08.08 allows users to call arbitrary kernel functions because the passi

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-8508 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting malware cleaner. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

nsak64.sys in Norman Malware Cleaner 2.08.08 allows users to call arbitrary kernel functions because the passing of function pointers between user and kernel mode is mishandled.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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	1.7% (top 23%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2020-02-03
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: norman

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-02-03 03:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:26 UTCUpdated Record last modified

norman malware cleaner DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.08.08

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.08.08

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy malware-cleaner || rpm -q malware-cleaner || malware-cleaner --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.08.08 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison malware-cleaner sudo apt install malware-cleaner=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.08.08> sudo apt-mark hold malware-cleaner

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

dnf --showduplicates list malware-cleaner sudo dnf downgrade malware-cleaner-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.08.08> sudo dnf versionlock add malware-cleaner

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-2020-8508?

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

Is CVE-2020-8508 being exploited?

CVE-2020-8508 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-2020-8508 affect?

CVE-2020-8508 affects malware cleaner. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). nsak64.sys in Norman Malware Cleaner 2.08.08 allows users to call arbitrary kernel functions because the passing of function pointers between user and kernel mode is mishandled.

How urgent is CVE-2020-8508?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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