CVE-2020-10861Network attack vector

Arbitrary file deletion via aswTask RPC

Published Apr 1, 2020 · Updated Aug 4, 2024

Arbitrary file deletion in Avast Antivirus before 20 allows attackers to delete files from the Avast program path through aswTask RPC. Public disclosure identifies the AvastSvc.exe aswTask endpoint and TaskEx library but does not disclose how the RPC request bypasses file-deletion restrictions. The affected state requires Self Defense to be enabled, and the documented consequence is deletion within the Avast program path.

CVSS severity7.5
High
EPSS probability1.69%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Arbitrary file deletion in Avast Antivirus before 20 allows attackers to delete files from the Avast program path through aswTask RPC. Public disclosure identifies the AvastSvc.exe aswTask endpoint and TaskEx library but does not disclose how the RPC request bypasses file-deletion restrictions. The affected state requires Self Defense to be enabled, and the documented consequence is deletion within the Avast program path.

The record

CVE
CVE-2020-10861
Published
Apr 1, 2020
Updated
Aug 4, 2024
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
T1070.004
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Apr 1, 2020CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 4, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Affected buildAffected product and version details are unavailable.

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.

Published CVSS scores

6.4NIST NVDAV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:P/A:P
7.5NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

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No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

T1070.004File Deletion

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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