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Vulnerability record · CVE-2017-20203 · published 9 October 2025

CVE-2017-20203: NetSarang Xmanager Enterprise 5.0 Build 1232, Xmanager 5.0 Build 1045, Xshell 5.0 Build 1322, Xftp 5.0 Build 1…

NetSarang Xmanager Enterprise 5.0 Build 1232, Xmanager 5.0 Build 1045, Xshell 5.0 Build 1322, Xftp 5.0 Build 1218, and Xlpd 5.0 Build 1220 contain a malicious nssock2.dll that implements a multi-stage, DNS-based backdoor. The dormant library contacts a C2 DNS server via a specially crafted TXT record for a month‑generated domain. After receiving a decryption key, it then downloads and executes arbitrary code, creates an encrypted virtual file system (VFS) in the registry, and grants the attacker full remote code execution, data exfiltration, and persistence. NetSarang released builds for each product line that remediated the compromise: Xmanager Enterprise Build 1236, Xmanager Build 1049, Xshell Build 1326, Xftp Build 1222, and Xlpd Build 1224. Kaspersky Lab identified an instance of exploitation in the wild in August 2017.

9.3 CVSS 4.0 Critical EPSS 0.67% · top 50.1% CWE-506 · CWE-506 Deferred
9.3CVSS 4.0 base score
0.67%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
0Affected product versions listed by NVD
4References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

NetSarang Xmanager Enterprise 5.0 Build 1232, Xmanager 5.0 Build 1045, Xshell 5.0 Build 1322, Xftp 5.0 Build 1218, and Xlpd 5.0 Build 1220 contain a malicious nssock2.dll that implements a multi-stage, DNS-based backdoor. The dormant library contacts a C2 DNS server via a specially crafted TXT record for a month‑generated domain. After receiving a decryption key, it then downloads and executes arbitrary code, creates an encrypted virtual file system (VFS) in the registry, and grants the attacker full remote code execution, data exfiltration, and persistence. NetSarang released builds for each product line that remediated the compromise: Xmanager Enterprise Build 1236, Xmanager Build 1049, Xshell Build 1326, Xftp Build 1222, and Xlpd Build 1224. Kaspersky Lab identified an instance of exploitation in the wild in August 2017.

CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:H/SI:H/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:

References

LinkTags
https://securelist.com/shadowpad-in-corporate-networks/81432/
https://usa.kaspersky.com/about/press-releases/shadowpad-attackers-hid-backdoor-in-software-used-by-hundreds-of-large-co
https://web.archive.org/web/20181022035109/https://www.netsarang.com/news/security_exploit_in_july_18_2017_build.html
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/netsarang-malicious-backdoor-supply-chain-compromise

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2017-20203), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.