CVE-2020-14331
Published Sep 15, 2020 · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Original summary
Normalized public record · Updated Nov 3, 2026
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel’s implementation of the invert video code on VGA consoles when a local attacker attempts to resize the console, calling an ioctl VT_RESIZE, which causes an out-of-bounds write to occur. This flaw allows a local user with access to the VGA console to crash the system, potentially escalating their privileges on the system. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity as well as system availability.
Publisher and source text is retained separately from QFinch interpretation.
QFinch assessment
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel’s implementation of the invert video code on VGA consoles when a local attacker attempts to resize the console, calling an ioctl VT_RESIZE, which causes an out-of-bounds write to occur. This flaw allows a local user with access to the VGA console to crash the system, potentially escalating their privileges on the system. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity as well as system availability.
Evidence: public source recordsAffected products
| Affected package, product or range | Fix status |
|---|---|
| Consult the referenced vendor advisory for affected versions. | Consult source advisory |
Matching a version is only one part of assessing exposure. QFinch has not assessed your environment on this public page.
Remediation
Apply the vendor-supported fixed release or mitigation, then verify the affected component is no longer reachable.
- Confirm the affected product and reachable code path exist in your environment.
- Apply the vendor-supported patch or mitigation from the primary advisory.
- Rescan the exact deployed revision and retain verification evidence.
Evidence coverage
- SSVC priority
- LOW
- Confidence
- Not available
- Aliases
- None reported
Scores appear only when corresponding evidence exists. Missing data is never interpreted as zero risk.
Sources and record history
- www.openwall.com ↗
- lists.openwall.net ↗
- bugzilla.redhat.com ↗
- [debian-lts-announce] 20200928 [SECURITY] [DLA 2385-1] linux-4.19 security update ↗
- [debian-lts-announce] 20201030 [SECURITY] [DLA 2420-1] linux security update ↗
- [debian-lts-announce] 20201031 [SECURITY] [DLA 2420-2] linux regression update ↗
Record history
Published Sep 15, 2020 · Last refreshed Nov 3, 2026