CVE-2020-36180: Unsafe Deserialization in jackson-databind
Summary
CVE-2020-36180: Unsafe Deserialization in jackson-databind. Affects com.fasterxml.jackson.core:jackson-databind across 2 version ranges.
>= 2.0.0, < 2.6.7.5
>= 2.7.0, < 2.9.10.8
Fixed in 2.6.7.5 or 2.9.10.8, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- jackson-databind · Debian:11
The same CVE-2020-36180 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
The jackson-databind package is a popular Java library used for serializing and deserializing JSON data. It provides functionality to convert Java objects to JSON and vice versa. This vulnerability affects versions of jackson-databind prior to 2.9.10.8. The vulnerability arises from mishandling the interaction between serialization gadgets and typing, specifically related to org.apache.commons.dbcp2.cpdsadapter.DriverAdapterCPDS.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in jackson-databind allows for unsafe deserialization, which can lead to remote code execution attacks. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted JSON payload to a vulnerable application that uses the jackson-databind library. Upon deserialization, the malicious payload can trigger the execution of arbitrary code, potentially compromising the application and the underlying system. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.1, indicating a high severity level.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 2.22.4 as of 23 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
>= 2.0.0, < 2.6.7.52.6.7.5 -
>= 2.7.0, < 2.9.10.82.9.10.8
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading to the latest version is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented by disabling or restricting the usage of the jackson-databind library in the affected application. This can be achieved by removing or replacing the vulnerable library with a safer alternative. However, this workaround should be considered temporary, and upgrading to the patched version is the recommended long-term solution.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in jackson-databind can lead to remote code execution attacks through unsafe deserialization. It is crucial to upgrade to the patched version (2.9.10.8 or later) to mitigate this vulnerability. Developers should also follow secure coding practices and validate user input to prevent similar deserialization attacks. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for com.fasterxml.jackson.core:jackson-databind →
FAQ
Jackson-databind is a Java library used for serializing and deserializing JSON data. It provides functionality to convert Java objects to JSON and vice versa.
This vulnerability allows for remote code execution attacks, potentially compromising the affected application and the underlying system.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade the jackson-databind library to version 2.9.10.8 or later. Follow secure coding practices and validate user input to prevent deserialization attacks.
A temporary workaround is to disable or restrict the usage of the jackson-databind library in the affected application. However, upgrading to the patched version is the recommended long-term solution.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.1, indicating a high severity level.
References
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