What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-36939?

CVE-2020-36939 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 (High). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.7%.

Which versions of Apache are affected by CVE-2020-36939?

Cassandra Web 0.5.0 contains a critical unauthenticated directory traversal vulnerability (CVE-2020-36939) that allows attackers to read arbitrary files from affected systems without authentication.

Is there a public PoC exploit available for CVE-2020-36939?

Yes, a public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2020-36939. Prioritise patching immediately. EPSS: 0.7%.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2020-36939?

Within 24 hours: Identify all systems running Cassandra Web 0.5.0 and immediately isolate or restrict network access to these instances. Within 7 days: Implement network segmentation and WAF rules to block directory traversal patterns; contact Cassandra Web vendor for patched version timeline. Within 30 days: Upgrade to a patched version when available, or decommission the vulnerable application if no patch timeline is provided; conduct forensic audit of access logs to identify potential unauthorized file access.

Apache CVE-2020-36939

HIGH

Path Traversal (CWE-22)

2026-01-27 disclosure@vulncheck.com

Apache Path Traversal

7.5

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

7.5 HIGH

AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None

Lifecycle Timeline

Analysis Generated

Mar 12, 2026 - 21:55 vuln.today

PoC Detected

Jan 29, 2026 - 16:31 vuln.today

Public exploit code

CVE Published

Jan 27, 2026 - 16:16 nvd

HIGH 7.5

DescriptionCVE.org

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.

AnalysisAI

Cassandra Web 0.5.0 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by manipulating path traversal parameters. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]

Technical ContextAI

Classified as CWE-22 (Path Traversal). 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.

Affected ProductsAI

Cassandra Web 0.5.0 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by manipulating path tr

RemediationAI

Monitor vendor advisories for a patch. Validate and sanitize file path inputs. Use allowlists. Restrict network access to the affected service where possible.