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CVE-2020-8260 is an uncontrolled gzip extraction vulnerability in the administrative web interface of Pulse Connect Secure versions earlier than 9.1R9. The flaw, also characterized as unrestricted file upload, allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected appliance. It has been exploited in attacks involving multiple Pulse Connect Secure vulnerabilities.
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1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos.
This repository contains a single Metasploit module (modules/exploits/linux/http/pulse_secure_gzip_rce.rb) targeting Pulse Connect Secure VPN appliances vulnerable to CVE-2020-8260. The exploit leverages an uncontrolled gzip extraction vulnerability to achieve remote code execution as root, requiring valid admin credentials. The module is written in Ruby and integrates with Metasploit's HTTP client and command stager components, supporting both direct command execution and staged payload deployment (e.g., reverse shell via curl). The exploit interacts with several web endpoints on the target appliance, including authentication, version checking, and payload triggering. It also manipulates files in specific directories on the target system to facilitate code execution. The module is operational and provides a reliable method for attackers with credentials to compromise affected Pulse Secure VPN devices.
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Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.
12 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A remote code execution vulnerability involving arbitrary file upload in Pulse Connect Secure.
An authenticated remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure caused by uncontrolled gzip extraction.
A directory traversal vulnerability in web servers due to improper URI/input sanitization, enabling unauthenticated attackers to access arbitrary files.
An unrestricted file upload vulnerability in Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure listed as part of historically targeted vulnerabilities.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.