CVE-2020-5229: Password Hashing Vulnerability in org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl
Summary
CVE-2020-5229: Password Hashing: Do not use MD5. Affects org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl across 2 version ranges.
< 7.6
>= 8.0, < 8.1
Fixed in 7.6 or 8.1, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
The org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl package is a Maven package used in the Opencast project. Opencast is an open-source system for managing and distributing audiovisual content. The opencast-common-jpa-impl package provides common functionality for working with the Java Persistence API (JPA) in Opencast. This package is vulnerable to a password hashing issue.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl involves the use of the MD5 hash algorithm for storing user passwords in the database. MD5 is considered outdated and insecure for password hashing. Additionally, the hashes are salted using the username instead of a random salt, which can lead to collisions between hashes for users with the same username and password. This makes it easier for an attacker to reconstruct a user's password if they gain access to the password hashes in the database. The impact of this vulnerability is significant, especially for popular users like the default 'admin' user.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 18.5 as of 22 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.
-
< 7.67.6 -
>= 8.0, < 8.18.1
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update to the fixed version of the package to ensure the security of user passwords.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl allows for insecure password storage using the MD5 hash algorithm. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update to Opencast 8.1 or later versions, which use the bcrypt algorithm for stronger password hashing. There are no known workarounds for this issue. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl →
FAQ
The vulnerability allows an attacker to potentially reconstruct a user's password if they gain access to the password hashes in the database. This can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive information.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just the pom.xml file.
The recommended solution is to update to Opencast 8.1 or later versions, which use the bcrypt password hashing algorithm. This ensures stronger and more secure password storage.
No, there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability. Updating to the fixed version is the only solution.
For more information, you can open an issue in the opencast/opencast GitHub repository or email security@opencast.org for security-relevant information.
