CVE-2021-20190: Jackson-databind Deserialization Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2021-20190: Deserialization of untrusted data in jackson-databind. Affects com.fasterxml.jackson.core:jackson-databind across 2 version ranges.
< 2.6.7.5
>= 2.7.0, < 2.9.10.7
Fixed in 2.6.7.5 or 2.9.10.7, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- nifi · Bitnami
- jackson-databind · Debian:11
The same CVE-2021-20190 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
Jackson-databind is a popular Java library used for converting JSON data to Java objects (POJOs) and vice versa. It provides a powerful and flexible API for handling JSON data. However, versions prior to 2.9.10.7 are vulnerable to a deserialization issue. This vulnerability arises from mishandling the interaction between serialization gadgets and typing.
Vulnerability Detail
The deserialization vulnerability in jackson-databind allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by providing malicious input during the deserialization process. This can lead to a compromise of data confidentiality and integrity, as well as system availability. The vulnerability is rated as HIGH severity with a CVSS score of 8.1.
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.
-
< 2.6.7.52.6.7.5 -
>= 2.7.0, < 2.9.10.72.9.10.7
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 crucial to update to the fixed version of jackson-databind as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The deserialization vulnerability in jackson-databind can have severe consequences for the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your system. It is crucial to update to the fixed version (2.9.10.7 or later) as soon as possible. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for com.fasterxml.jackson.core:jackson-databind →
FAQ
Jackson-databind is a Java library used for converting JSON data to Java objects and vice versa. It is widely used in Java applications for handling JSON data.
The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code during the deserialization process, potentially leading to data compromise and system compromise.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply provide your pom.xml file, and Vulert will analyze it for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, a fix is available in version 2.9.10.7 of jackson-databind. It is recommended to update your dependency to this version to mitigate the vulnerability.
No, there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability. Updating to the fixed version is the only solution.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for com.fasterxml.jackson.core:jackson-databind.