HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-26259
MEDIUM

CVE-2020-26259

CWE-78Published: December 16, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

6.8
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

XStream is a Java library to serialize objects to XML and back again. In XStream before version 1.4.15, is vulnerable to an Arbitrary File Deletion on the local host when unmarshalling. The vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to delete arbitrary know files on the host as log as the executing process has sufficient rights only by manipulating the processed input stream. If you rely on XStream's default blacklist of the Security Framework, you will have to use at least version 1.4.15. The reported vulnerability does not exist running Java 15 or higher. No user is affected, who followed the recommendation to setup XStream's Security Framework with a whitelist! Anyone relying on XStream's default blacklist can immediately switch to a whilelist for the allowed types to avoid the vulnerability. Users of XStream 1.4.14 or below who still want to use XStream default blacklist can use a workaround described in more detailed in the referenced advisories.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-26259 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in full integrity compromise (data manipulation), with a CVSS base score of 6.8.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N

Affected Vendors & Products

Apache1 product(s)
struts
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
Fedora1 product(s)
fedora
xstream1 product(s)
xstream
Source: NVD CPE · 7 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (18)

https://x-stream.github.io/CVE-2020-26259.htmlExploit · Mitigation · Third Party Advisory

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2020-26259
CVSS Score6.8 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-78
CISA KEVNo
Affected4 vendor(s)
PublishedDec 16, 2020

Related CVEs (CWE-78)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2020-26259 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.