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CVE Record

CVE-2020-28097: The vgacon subsystem in the Linux kernel before 5.8.10 mishandles software scrollback.

The vgacon subsystem in the Linux kernel before 5.8.10 mishandles software scrollback. There is a vgacon_scrolldelta out-of-bounds read, aka CID-973c096f6a85.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This is a Linux kernel bug in the vgacon console code before 5.8.10. The issue can cause an out-of-bounds read when software scrollback is handled incorrectly. The provided sources do not show remote attack exposure, public exploitation, or a CVSS score.

Executive priority

Handle through normal kernel patch governance unless exposed systems allow broad local console access. There is insufficient source evidence for emergency treatment, but unpatched kernel memory-read bugs should not remain unresolved indefinitely.

Technical view

CVE-2020-28097 is a vgacon_scrolldelta out-of-bounds read in the Linux kernel vgacon subsystem, fixed by commit 973c096f6a85 and included in Linux 5.8.10. Exposure depends on kernels that include vulnerable vgacon scrollback behavior and whether local console access is available.

Likely exposure

Likely exposure is older Linux kernels before 5.8.10 or vendor kernels without the backported fix. Practical exposure depends on vgacon availability, kernel configuration, and local console access. The source bundle does not identify specific non-Linux products beyond a NetApp advisory reference.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not provide evidence of active exploitation, KEV listing, exploit availability, or remote exploitation. The weakness is an out-of-bounds read in kernel console scrollback handling, so validation should focus on affected kernel builds and console accessibility.

Researcher notes

The record names vgacon software scrollback and vgacon_scrolldelta as the affected path. Public metadata lacks CVSS, CWE, affected CPEs, and exploitation evidence. Treat kernel version and vendor backport confirmation as the main validation anchors.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade to Linux 5.8.10 or a vendor kernel containing commit 973c096f6a85.
  • Check Linux distribution advisories for CVE-2020-28097 backport status.
  • Apply relevant vendor guidance for appliances or managed systems.
  • Restrict unnecessary local console access where operationally feasible.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, appliances, and images.
  • Confirm whether the vendor kernel includes the 973c096f6a85 fix.
  • Review whether vgacon is enabled or used in affected environments.
  • Prioritize systems with shared or sensitive local console access.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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