CVE-2020-12062

openssh: scp can send duplicate responses to the server upon a utimes system call failure leading to overwrite of arbitrary files

Published Jun 1, 2020 CVSS 3.1 · 7.5 High EPSS 2.2% KEV · Not listed
Description
The scp client in OpenSSH 8.2 incorrectly sends duplicate responses to the server upon a utimes system call failure, which allows a malicious unprivileged user on the remote server to overwrite arbitrary files in the client's download directory by creating a crafted subdirectory anywhere on the remote server. The victim must use the command scp -rp to download a file hierarchy containing, anywhere inside, this crafted subdirectory. NOTE: the vendor points out that "this attack can achieve no more than a hostile peer is already able to achieve within the scp protocol" and "utimes does not fail under normal circumstances.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

No advisories available
Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
mitre
Published
Updated
Oct 14, 2026, 9:06 AM
Reserved
Apr 22, 2020, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
Jun 1, 2020, 4:15 PM
Modified
Oct 14, 2026, 10:17 AM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
May 27, 2020, 12:00 AM