CVE-2020-13959

Velocity Tools XSS Vulnerability

Description

The default error page for VelocityView in Apache Velocity Tools prior to 3.1 reflects back the vm file that was entered as part of the URL. An attacker can set an XSS payload file as this vm file in the URL which results in this payload being executed. XSS vulnerabilities allow attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the attacked website and the attacked user. This can be abused to steal session cookies, perform requests in the name of the victim or for phishing attacks.

Remediation

Workaround:

  • Applications based on Apache Velocity Tools should upgrade to version 3.1. This version escapes the reflected text on the default error page, preventing potential javascript execution.

Category

6.1
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 8.01% Top 10%
Vendor Advisory gentoo.org Vendor Advisory apache.org
Affected: Apache Software Foundation Apache Velocity Tools
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2020-13959?
CVE-2020-13959 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2020-13959?
As a workaround for remediating CVE-2020-13959: Applications based on Apache Velocity Tools should upgrade to version 3.1. This version escapes the reflected text on the default error page, preventing potential javascript execution.
Is CVE-2020-13959 being actively exploited in the wild?
It is possible that CVE-2020-13959 is being exploited or will be exploited in a near future based on public information. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~8% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2020-13959?
CVE-2020-13959 affects Apache Software Foundation Apache Velocity Tools.
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