CVE-2020-5529: Code Injection

Published Feb 11, 2020
·
Updated

HtmlUnit prior to 2.37.0 contains code execution vulnerabilities. HtmlUnit initializes Rhino engine improperly, hence a malicious JavScript code can execute arbitrary Java code on the application. Moreover, when embedded in Android application, Android-specific initialization of Rhino engine is done in an improper way, hence a malicious JavaScript code can execute arbitrary Java code on the application.

Affected Software

7 affected componentsFixes available
debian/htmlunit
maven/net.sourceforge.htmlunit:htmlunit<2.37.0
2.37.0
HtmlUnit HtmlUnit<2.37.0
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
Apache Camel
Htmlunit Project Htmlunit<2.37.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade maven/net.sourceforge.htmlunit:htmlunit to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.37.0
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade HtmlUnit to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.37.0
  3. Configuration

    Update the Android-specific Rhino engine initialization in the embedded HtmlUnit integration so it is done properly, preventing malicious JavaScript from executing arbitrary Java code on the application.

    Android application embedding HtmlUnit (Rhino engine initialization) Rhino engine Android-specific initialization = properly initialized

Event History

Feb 11, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:35 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:35 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
May 21, 2020
Advisory Published
via GitHub·09:08 PM
Feb 23, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·11:55 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·11:55 PM
Description
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID for this code execution vulnerability?

The vulnerability ID for this code execution vulnerability is CVE-2020-5529.

2

What is the severity score for CVE-2020-5529?

The severity score for CVE-2020-5529 is 8.1 (high).

3

What is the affected software for CVE-2020-5529?

The affected software for CVE-2020-5529 includes HtmlUnit prior to version 2.37.0, Htmlunit Project Htmlunit, Debian Debian Linux 9.0, and Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04.

4

How does this vulnerability allow code execution?

This vulnerability allows code execution by improperly initializing the Rhino engine in HtmlUnit, which enables the execution of arbitrary Java code on the application.

5

Is there a fix available for CVE-2020-5529?

Yes, the fix for CVE-2020-5529 is available in HtmlUnit version 2.37.0. It is recommended to update to this version to mitigate the vulnerability.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203