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CVE-2020-4545: IBM Aspera Connect 3.9.9 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by i...

IBM Aspera Connect 3.9.9 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by improper loading of Dynamic Link Libraries by the import feature. By persuading a victim to open a specially-crafted .DLL file, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 183190.

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

IBM Aspera Connect 3.9.9 has a high-severity code execution flaw tied to unsafe DLL loading in its import feature. An attacker would need to persuade a user to open a specially crafted DLL file. Successful exploitation could let attacker-controlled code run on the affected system.

Executive priority

Treat this as a high-priority endpoint remediation issue where Aspera Connect is deployed. The business risk is arbitrary code execution after user interaction, especially in organizations using Aspera for external file exchange.

Technical view

CVE-2020-4545 is an improper Dynamic Link Library loading issue in IBM Aspera Connect 3.9.9. The CVSS 3.0 score is 7.8 with local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, and required user interaction. Impact is high for confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to endpoints with IBM Aspera Connect 3.9.9 installed, especially users who import or open files from external parties. The source bundle names only version 3.9.9 as affected.

Exploitation context

The sources do not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. Exploitation requires user interaction: convincing a victim to open a specially crafted DLL file. This is serious for targeted phishing or file-transfer workflows, but not described as remotely wormable.

Researcher notes

The public bundle is narrow: affected product and version are clear, but detailed fixed-version information is not included here. The CVSS vector indicates an official fix exists, so validation should anchor on IBM’s advisory rather than inferred patch targets.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade or remediate IBM Aspera Connect 3.9.9 according to IBM’s official advisory.
  • Check IBM X-Force and IBM Support guidance for the vendor-approved fixed release.
  • Limit use of Aspera Connect import workflows with untrusted files until remediated.
  • Use endpoint controls to restrict unauthorized DLL execution where upgrade is delayed.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory endpoints for IBM Aspera Connect 3.9.9 installations.
  • Confirm remediated endpoints no longer report the affected version.
  • Review EDR telemetry for suspicious execution involving Aspera Connect and DLL handling.
  • Confirm users handling external transfers received guidance about untrusted files.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

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

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.

description · low confidence lookup

Execution behavior lookup

The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

Open ATT&CK lookup
cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2020-4545 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.0)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AC:L/A:H/UI:R/AV:L/S:U/I:H/PR:N/C:H/E:U/RC:C/RL:O

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.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.0HighCVSS:3.0/AC:L/A:H/UI:R/AV:L/S:U/I:H/PR:N/C:H/E:U/RC:C/RL:O1.85.9Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.0 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.0 vector shape for CVE-2020-4545Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AC:L/A:H/UI:R/AV:L/S:U/I:H/PR:N/C:H/E:U/RC:C/RL:O

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
IBMAspera Connect3.9.9Listed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.