CVE-2019-20478

CVE-2019-20478 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Ruamel.yaml Project Ruamel.yaml with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

In ruamel.yaml through 0.16.7, the load method allows remote code execution if the application calls this method with an untrusted argument. In other words, this issue affects developers who are unaware of the need to use methods such as safe_load in these use cases.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-20478?
In ruamel.yaml through 0.16.7, the load method allows remote code execution if the application calls this method with an untrusted argument. In other words, this issue affects developers who are unaware of the need to use methods such as safe_load in these use cases.
How severe is CVE-2019-20478?
CVE-2019-20478 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2019-20478 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-20478?
CVE-2019-20478 affects Ruamel.yaml Project Ruamel.yaml. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-20478?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2019-20478 published?
CVE-2019-20478 was published on 2020-02-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)