CVE-2020-36181 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

FasterXML jackson-databind 2.x before 2.9.10.8 mishandles the interaction between serialization gadgets and typing, related to org.apache.tomcat.dbcp.dbcp.cpdsadapter.DriverAdapterCPDS.

Understanding CVE-2020-36181

This CVE involves a vulnerability in FasterXML jackson-databind that affects versions prior to 2.9.10.8.

What is CVE-2020-36181?

The CVE-2020-36181 vulnerability in FasterXML jackson-databind 2.x before 2.9.10.8 is due to mishandling the interaction between serialization gadgets and typing, specifically related to org.apache.tomcat.dbcp.dbcp.cpdsadapter.DriverAdapterCPDS.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36181

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code, leading to potential remote code execution and other security risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36181

FasterXML jackson-databind 2.x before 2.9.10.8 is susceptible to the following:

Vulnerability Description

The mishandling of serialization gadgets and typing in FasterXML jackson-databind can be exploited by malicious actors for code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions prior to 2.9.10.8

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input to trigger the deserialization process, leading to code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-36181, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FasterXML jackson-databind to version 2.9.10.8 or later.
Implement proper input validation to mitigate the risk of deserialization vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and update dependencies promptly.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by FasterXML promptly to address known vulnerabilities.