CVE-2022-33980: Apache Commons Configuration performs variable interpolation, allowing properties to be dynamically evaluated and expanded. The standard format for in...

Description

Apache Commons Configuration performs variable interpolation, allowing properties to be dynamically evaluated and expanded. The standard format for interpolation is "${prefix:name}", where "prefix" is used to locate an instance of org.apache.commons.configuration2.interpol.Lookup that performs the interpolation. Starting with version 2.4 and continuing through 2.7, the set of default Lookup instances included interpolators that could result in arbitrary code execution or contact with remote servers. These lookups are: - "script" - execute expressions using the JVM script execution engine (javax.script) - "dns" - resolve dns records - "url" - load values from urls, including from remote servers Applications using the interpolation defaults in the affected versions may be vulnerable to remote code execution or unintentional contact with remote servers if untrusted configuration values are used. Users are recommended to upgrade to Apache Commons Configuration 2.8.0, which disables the problematic interpolators by default.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

34.82%

98.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Apache	Commons Configuration	>= 2.4, < 2.8
Netapp	Snapcenter	All versions
Debian	Debian Linux	11.0

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/07/06/5Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/11/15/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://lists.apache.org/thread/tdf5n7j80lfxdhs2764vn0xmpfodm87sMailing List, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20221028-0015/Third Party Advisory
https://www.debian.org/security/2022/dsa-5290Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/07/06/5Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/11/15/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://lists.apache.org/thread/tdf5n7j80lfxdhs2764vn0xmpfodm87sMailing List, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20221028-0015/Third Party Advisory
https://www.debian.org/security/2022/dsa-5290Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jul 6, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-33980?

Apache Commons Configuration performs variable interpolation, allowing properties to be dynamically evaluated and expanded. The standard format for interpolation is "${prefix:name}", where "prefix" is used to locate an instance of org.apache.commons.configuration2.interpol.Lookup that performs the interpolation. Starting with version 2.4 and continuing through 2.7, the set of default Lookup instances included interpolators that could result in arbitrary code execution or contact with remote servers. These lookups are: - "script" - execute expressions using the JVM script execution engine (javax.script) - "dns" - resolve dns records - "url" - load values from urls, including from remote servers Applications using the interpolation defaults in the affected versions may be vulnerable to remote code execution or unintentional contact with remote servers if untrusted configuration values are used. Users are recommended to upgrade to Apache Commons Configuration 2.8.0, which disables the problematic interpolators by default.

How severe is CVE-2022-33980?

CVE-2022-33980 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 34.82% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2022-33980?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.