CVE-2020-5529: Code execution vulnerability in HtmlUnit
Summary
CVE-2020-5529: Code execution vulnerability in HtmlUnit. Affects net.sourceforge.htmlunit:htmlunit versions < 2.37.0. Fixed in 2.37.0. How to fix ↓
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Background
HtmlUnit is a Java-based library for simulating web browsing and automating web interactions. It provides a way to interact with web pages programmatically, allowing developers to perform tasks such as form submission, page navigation, and content extraction. HtmlUnit is commonly used in web scraping, testing, and automation scenarios. However, prior to version 2.37.0, HtmlUnit is vulnerable to code execution attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in HtmlUnit arises from improper initialization of the Rhino engine, which is used for JavaScript execution. This flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code that can execute arbitrary Java code on the application. This can lead to various security risks, including remote code execution, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Additionally, when HtmlUnit is embedded in an Android application, the Android-specific initialization of the Rhino engine is also done improperly, making it susceptible to the same code execution vulnerability.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.37.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to update HtmlUnit to the fixed version as soon as possible to ensure the security of the application.
Conclusion
The code execution vulnerability in HtmlUnit can have severe consequences, including remote code execution and unauthorized access to sensitive information. It is crucial to update HtmlUnit to version 2.37.0 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for net.sourceforge.htmlunit:htmlunit →
FAQ
HtmlUnit is a Java-based library for simulating web browsing and automating web interactions. It allows developers to interact with web pages programmatically.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary Java code on the application, potentially leading to remote code execution, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
To fix this vulnerability, update HtmlUnit to version 2.37.0 or later. Make sure to update your Maven dependencies accordingly.
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update HtmlUnit to the fixed version.
You can find more information about HtmlUnit on the official website or the project's GitHub repository.
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