CVE-2020-36939 Cassandra Web 0.5.0 - Remote File Read
Unauthenticated attackers can read arbitrary system files and database credentials via path traversal in Cassandra Web.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2020-36939?
CVE-2020-36939 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in avalanche123 Cassandra Web, published on 27 Jan 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
Cassandra Web 0.5.0 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by manipulating path traversal parameters. Attackers can exploit the disabled Rack::Protection module to read sensitive system files like /etc/passwd and retrieve Apache Cassandra database credentials.
Weakness: CWE-22
Which versions are affected by CVE-2020-36939?
2 open source packages ship an affected version, including cassandra-web.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
cassandra-web RubyGems | All versions to 0.5.0 | None |
cassandra-web RubyGems | All versions to 0.5.0 | None |
How do I fix CVE-2020-36939?
No fix has been published for CVE-2020-36939 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2020-36939 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2020-36939 exists.
Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-8mfv-xhp5-48q9.