CVE-2020-13936 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2020-13936 article provides insights into the Velocity Sandbox Bypass vulnerability affecting Apache Velocity Engine up to version 2.2.

Understanding CVE-2020-13936

This section delves into the details of the Velocity Sandbox Bypass vulnerability.

What is CVE-2020-13936?

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary Java code or system commands by modifying Velocity templates, posing a risk to applications allowing untrusted users to upload or modify templates.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13936

The vulnerability enables attackers to run commands with the same privileges as the Servlet container's account, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13936

Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2020-13936 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary Java code or system commands through manipulated Velocity templates.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Velocity Engine
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Versions affected: <= 2.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by uploading or modifying Velocity templates in applications running affected versions of Apache Velocity Engine.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-13936.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 2.3 of Apache Velocity Engine to impose additional restrictions on template access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation to prevent malicious template uploads.
Regularly monitor and update software components to address security vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe template usage practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Apache Software Foundation to address CVE-2020-13936.