CVE-2020-8554: exploitation status and patch state

CVE-2020-8554 · CVSS 6.3 MEDIUM · EPSS 9%

Kubernetes API server in all versions allow an attacker who is able to create a ClusterIP service and set the spec.externalIPs field, to intercept traffic to that IP address. Additionally, an attacker who is able to patch the status (which is considered a privileged operation and should not typically be granted to users) of a LoadBalancer service can set the status.loadBalancer.ingress.ip to similar effect.

Is CVE-2020-8554 exploited?

• Not in the CISA KEV catalog.
• EPSS puts exploitation in the next 30 days at 9%.
• Public exploit code: none found in monitored sources.

Which products and versions are affected?

No affected package list recorded here yet.

Is there a patch?

No patch identifier recorded here yet.

What PlainSec published about CVE-2020-8554

• Node Kernel Bugs on GKE COS Nodes Enable Host Escalation (2026-04-15)
• Google Cloud Issues Multiple Linux Kernel Privilege Escalation Fixes for GKE Nodes (2026-04-07)
• Multiple Linux Kernel Flaws Elevate Privileges on GCP Container Nodes (2026-04-03)
• Multiple High-Severity Cloud Vulnerabilities Impact Container Nodes (2026-04-01)

Primary sources

• NVD record

What this record does not say

• No affected package data.
• No patch identifier.

KEV and EPSS are re-checked daily. Record last updated 2026-08-15.