---
id: CVE-2020-36939
aliases:
  - GHSA-8mfv-xhp5-48q9
title: Cassandra Web - Remote File Read
summary: Cassandra Web - Remote File Read
severity: high
cvss: 7.5
cwe:
  - CWE-22
vendor: cassandra-web
product: cassandra-web
ecosystem: rubygems
affected:
  - cassandra-web <= 0.5.0
published: '2026-01-27'
updated: '2026-09-08'
sourceUpdated: '2026-09-08T18:17:11Z'
source: GHSA
sourceUrl: 'https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-8mfv-xhp5-48q9'
references:
  - url: 'https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-36939'
  - url: 'https://rubygems.org/gems/cassandra-web/versions/0.5.0'
  - url: 'https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/49362'
  - url: 'https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/cassandra-web-remote-file-read'
  - url: >-
      https://github.com/rubysec/ruby-advisory-db/blob/master/gems/cassandra-web/CVE-2020-36939.yml
  - url: 'https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-8mfv-xhp5-48q9'
tags:
  - ghsa
  - rubygems
  - exploit-available
epss: 0.0291
epssPercentile: 0.86437
exploits:
  metasploit:
    - auxiliary/scanner/http/cassandra_web_file_read
  checkedAt: '2026-09-26T09:05:35.133Z'
exploitAvailable: true
ingestedAt: '2026-09-08T19:08:49.635Z'
---

## Overview

Cassandra Web 0.5.0 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by manipulating path traversal parameters. Attackers can exploit the disabled Rack::Protection module to read sensitive system files like /etc/passwd and retrieve Apache Cassandra database credentials.

## Affected packages

- `cassandra-web <= 0.5.0`

## Remediation

Refer to the advisory for the patched release.