CVE-2020-13959

What it is

The default error page for VelocityView in Apache Velocity Tools prior to 3.1 reflects back the vm file that was entered as part of the URL. An attacker can set an XSS payload file as this vm file in the URL which results in this payload being executed. XSS vulnerabilities allow attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the attacked website and the attacked user. This can be abused to steal session cookies, perform requests in the name of the victim or for phishing attacks.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

5.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2021-03-10 08:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:54 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 5.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.1 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-03-10 08:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:54 UTC

Exploit probability

5.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-79 · Cross-site scripting

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Apache Velocity Tools < 3.1
• Debian Linux 9.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

Low

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2020-13959.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-13959. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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