Evidence used
- No CISA KEV confirmation is currently recorded.
- The selected CVSS metric records a network-reachable, unauthenticated path with no user interaction.
- EPSS is 9.03% for the current model date.
BlackTreeCVE IntelligenceFull vulnerability report · 2020
CVE-2020-13956High confidence
n/a Apache HttpClient — security vulnerability
Unknown · Apache HttpClient
5.3MediumCVSS 3.1
Scheduled
Patch availableMedium technical severity with no CISA KEV confirmation; remediate through the normal risk-based patch cycle unless local exposure raises the priority.
R
Open reassessment dashboard →Operational reassessment
Published severity in operational context
Published severityMedium→Operational priority:Medium, unchanged from published severity.unchanged
Compensating controls
- Validate the affected product branch and deploy the verified fixed release.
- Restrict the affected network interface to trusted sources where business-safe.
- Monitor vendor guidance and exploitation sources for a material change.
Verification
- Confirm that the asset runs Unknown Apache HttpClient and falls inside the recorded affected range.
- Verify the installed build against the product-specific fixed version after deployment.
- Validate exposure, authentication requirements and compensating controls in the actual environment.
- Reopen this reassessment when CVSS, KEV, EPSS, exploit evidence or remediation changes.
Distribution package intelligence
4 package statesRelease-specific package status
Debian findings are scoped to the named distribution, release and source package. An absent finding does not mean a package is unaffected.
Repository candidate not checked
A published vendor fix does not prove that a matching update is enabled and installable on a particular asset. Confirm the local package candidate before scheduling remediation.
| Distribution release | Source package | Vendor state | Fixed version | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debian trixietrixie · source | httpcomponents-client | Vendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release. | 4.5.13-1 | Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026 |
| Debian bookwormbookworm · source | httpcomponents-client | Vendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release. | 4.5.13-1 | Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026 |
| Debian forkyforky · source | httpcomponents-client | Vendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release. | 4.5.13-1 | Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026 |
| Debian sidsid · source | httpcomponents-client | Vendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release. | 4.5.13-1 | Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026 |
Open-source package ranges2 source-attributed ranges
These OSV and GitHub advisory ranges apply only to the named package and ecosystem. A listed fixed version is not a universal product patch or proof that an update is installed.
| Ecosystem and package | Affected range | First fixed version | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mavenorg.apache.httpcomponents:httpclient | ECOSYSTEM: introduced 0; fixed 4.5.13 | 4.5.13 | OSV record ↗aggregator derived · 10 Sep 2026 |
| Mavenorg.apache.httpcomponents:httpclient | ECOSYSTEM: introduced 5.0.0; fixed 5.0.3 | 5.0.3 | OSV record ↗aggregator derived · 10 Sep 2026 |
Direct vendor intelligence
1 currentAuthoritative vendor CSAF and VEX advisories
Structured product status and remediation from the issuing vendor. Product-state explanations are always visible; large lists can be searched or downloaded.
CVE-2020-13956 · CSAF 2.0 · revision 3 · finalRed Hat Product Securityapache-httpclient: incorrect handling of malformed authority component in request URIs
The vendor explicitly identifies these products as affected by this CVE.
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat BPM Suite 6
- redhat-openjdk-18/openjdk18-openshift as a component of Red Hat build of OpenJDK 1.8
- openjdk/openjdk-11-rhel7 as a component of Red Hat build of OpenJDK 11
- httpcomponents-client as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
- httpcomponents-client-javadoc as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
- httpcomponents-client.src as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss A-MQ 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss BRMS 5
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss BRMS 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Data Grid 7
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 5
- Summary
- Apache HttpClient versions prior to version 4.5.13 and 5.0.3 can misinterpret malformed authority component in request URIs passed to the library as java.net.URI object and pick the wrong target host for request execution.
- Remediation
- Before applying this update, ensure all previously released errata relevant to your system have been applied. For details about how to apply this update, see: https://access.redhat.com/articles/11258
Medium technical severity with no CISA KEV confirmation; remediate through the normal risk-based patch cycle unless local exposure raises the priority.
Patch available01
What, why and how
Apache HttpClient versions prior to version 4.5.13 and 5.0.3 can misinterpret malformed authority component in request URIs passed to the library as java.net.URI object and pick the wrong target host for request execution.
What
Apache HttpClient versions prior to version 4.5.13 and 5.0.3 can misinterpret malformed authority component in request URIs passed to the library as java.net.URI object and pick the wrong target host for request execution.
Why
The current structured CVE record identifies a security weakness, but the root cause requires confirmation in the linked vendor material.
How
An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication or user interaction. If successful, the issue may cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor.
What
Apache HttpClient versions prior to version 4.5.13 and 5.0.3 can misinterpret malformed authority component in request URIs passed to the library as java.net.URI object and pick the wrong target host for request execution.
Why
The current structured CVE record identifies a security weakness, but the root cause requires confirmation in the linked vendor material.
How
An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication or user interaction. If successful, the issue may cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor.
02
Exploit reality and attack path
CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.
Observed exploitation No confirmed evidence
?
Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.No CISA KEV match was present at the last successful refresh. This means no confirmation from that source, not proof of no exploitation.
Public PoC / exploit material None recorded
?
Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.No exploit-tagged reference or CISA SSVC proof-of-concept state is currently recorded. Research may still exist outside the structured feeds.
- Likely attack path
- a network path → vulnerable operation → cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor
- Attack surface
- Network
- Privileges required
- None: unauthenticated exploitation is possible
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
- Security boundary
- Unchanged: impact remains within the vulnerable component's security authority
- Weakness
?
CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration. - CWE not yet assigned
- CVSS vector
?
CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity. CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:NCommon Vulnerability Scoring System 3.1: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.
AVNetworkAttack vector: The vulnerable component can be reached over a network.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.PRNonePrivileges required: The attacker does not need an account or existing privileges.UINoneUser interaction: No action by another user is required.SUnchangedScope: The security impact remains within the vulnerable component's authority.CNoneConfidentiality impact: No direct loss is represented by this metric.ILowIntegrity impact: A successful attack can cause a limited loss.ANoneAvailability impact: No direct loss is represented by this metric.- Post-exploitation / living off the land
- No specific living-off-the-land technique is confirmed in the structured sources. Monitor normal administration tools for activity inconsistent with the affected service's baseline.
03
Patch and workaround
Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.
- Status
?
Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change. - Patch available
- Affected
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat BPM Suite 6
- redhat-openjdk-18/openjdk18-openshift as a component of Red Hat build of OpenJDK 1.8
- openjdk/openjdk-11-rhel7 as a component of Red Hat build of OpenJDK 11
- httpcomponents-client as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
- httpcomponents-client-javadoc as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
- httpcomponents-client.src as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss A-MQ 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss BRMS 5
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss BRMS 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Data Grid 7
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 5
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Fuse 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Fuse Service Works 6
- httpclient as a component of Red Hat JBoss Operations Network 3
- openshift3/ose-logging-elasticsearch5 as a component of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 3.11
- openshift4/ose-logging-elasticsearch5 as a component of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4
- openshift4/ose-metering-hadoop as a component of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4
- openshift4/ose-metering-hive as a component of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4
- openshift4/ose-metering-presto as a component of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4
- rh-maven35-httpcomponents-client-cache as a component of Red Hat Software Collections
- rh-maven35-httpcomponents-client-javadoc as a component of Red Hat Software Collections
- rh-maven35-httpcomponents-client.src as a component of Red Hat Software Collections
- httpclient as a component of streams for Apache Kafka
- Fixed
- eap7-activemq-artemis-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.src as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-cli-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-commons-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-core-client-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-dto-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-hornetq-protocol-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-hqclient-protocol-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-jdbc-store-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-jms-client-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-jms-server-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-journal-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-ra-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-selector-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-server-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-service-extensions-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-activemq-artemis-tools-0:2.9.0-7.redhat_00017.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-glassfish-jsf-0:2.3.9-12.SP13_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-glassfish-jsf-0:2.3.9-12.SP13_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.src as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-hal-console-0:3.2.12-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-hal-console-0:3.2.12-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.src as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-hibernate-0:5.3.20-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-hibernate-0:5.3.20-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.src as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-hibernate-core-0:5.3.20-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-hibernate-entitymanager-0:5.3.20-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-hibernate-envers-0:5.3.20-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-hibernate-java8-0:5.3.20-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-httpcomponents-client-0:4.5.13-1.redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-httpcomponents-client-0:4.5.13-1.redhat_00001.1.el6eap.src as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- eap7-jboss-ejb-client-0:4.0.37-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.el6eap.noarch as a component of Red Hat JBoss EAP 7.3 for RHEL 6 Server
- and 462 more
- Action
- Before applying this update, ensure all previously released errata relevant to your system have been applied. For details about how to apply this update, see: https://access.redhat.com/articles/11258
- Workaround
- No verified workaround is recorded. If business-safe, reduce exposure to the affected interface and allow only trusted sources until authoritative guidance is available.
04
Evidence and provenance
Published 2 Dec 2020 · Last source change 1 Dec 2025, 15:45 UTC · CWE not yet assigned
CVE recordCVE.org · 5.2
CVSS sourceNIST NVD
EPSS source FIRST · tracked since 2026-08-14
?
The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2021-1284
Product sourceVendor CSAF · Red Hat Product Security
Remediation sourceVendor CSAF · Red Hat Product Security
CWE sourceUnavailable
NVD statusNVD modified after enrichment
Missing structured fields: CWE classification, affected product. Missing data is not evidence of low risk; review the primary advisory.
Material change intelligence
View recent updates ↗What changed after publication
- Affected versionsThe structured affected or fixed version information changed.Red Hat Product Security ↗
- Before
- 4.5.12 and prior, 5.0.2 and prior · Fixed: An authoritative update reference is available, but the fixed version is not recorded in the structured CVE fields. Check the linked vendor advisory for the applicable release.
- After
- 4.5.12 and prior, 5.0.2 and prior · Fixed: Before applying this update, ensure all previously released errata relevant to your system have been applied. For details about how to apply this update, see: https://access.redhat.com/articles/11258
CVE published
Fixed release or patch reference recorded
Fixed release recorded from official guidance
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
- CVE
- Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
- CVSS
- Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
- EPSS
- Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
- CWE
- Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
- CNA
- CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
- CISA ADP
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
- NVD
- National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
- CERT / CSIRT
- A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
- PoC
- Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
- CSAF
- Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
- LoTL
- Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.