IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS8.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2020-10199|Auth: low — authenticated user|Reboot: required|Manual only

Sonatype Nexus Repository Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Sonatype Nexus Repository contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for remote code execution.

Published Apr 1, 2020 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, with a low-privilege account, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2022-05-03 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Software Vulnerability (CWE-917) (CWE-917) vulnerability in Sonatype Nexus Repository. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, a low-privilege authenticated account, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

●IT Security
●Running nexus: v < 3.21.2
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Active exploitation documented in the wild. Threat-research write-up: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160835/Sonatype-Nexus-3.21.1-Remote-Code-Execution.html

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157261/Nexus-Repository-Manager-3.21.1-01-Remote-Code-Execution.html
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-10199
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-10199
PowerShell automationComing soon

No tested PowerShell script for this entry yet. We’re prioritising automation based on user demand.

References

↗ CVE-2020-10199↗ NVD↗ Vendor Advisory