CVE-2020-13936

CVE-2020-13936 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Velocity Engine with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 23% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Description

An attacker that is able to modify Velocity templates may execute arbitrary Java code or run arbitrary system commands with the same privileges as the account running the Servlet container. This applies to applications that allow untrusted users to upload/modify velocity templates running Apache Velocity Engine versions up to 2.2.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-13936?
An attacker that is able to modify Velocity templates may execute arbitrary Java code or run arbitrary system commands with the same privileges as the account running the Servlet container. This applies to applications that allow untrusted users to upload/modify velocity templates running Apache Velocity Engine versions up to 2.2.
How severe is CVE-2020-13936?
CVE-2020-13936 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-13936 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 23% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-13936?
CVE-2020-13936 primarily affects Apache Velocity Engine. In total, 28 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-13936?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-13936 published?
CVE-2020-13936 was published on 2021-03-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (28)