CVE-2020-14001

What it is

The kramdown gem before 2.3.0 for Ruby processes the template option inside Kramdown documents by default, which allows unintended read access (such as template="/etc/passwd") or unintended embedded Ruby code execution (such as a string that begins with template="string://<%= `). NOTE: kramdown is used in Jekyll, GitLab Pages, GitHub Pages, and Thredded Forum.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

4.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2020-07-17 16:15 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: 4.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.8 CRITICAL (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-07-17 16:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:54 UTC

Exploit probability

4.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-862 · Missing authorization

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Kramdown Project Kramdown < 2.3.0
• Debian Linux 9.0
• Debian Linux 10.0
• Fedoraproject Fedora 31
• Fedoraproject Fedora 32
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 20.04

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.8

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2020-14001.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-14001. 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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