CVE-2026-28228: OpenOlat is an open source web-based e-learning platform for teaching, learning, assessment and communication. Prior to versions 19.1.31, 20.1.18, and...

Description

OpenOlat is an open source web-based e-learning platform for teaching, learning, assessment and communication. Prior to versions 19.1.31, 20.1.18, and 20.2.5, an authenticated user with the Author role can inject Velocity directives into a reminder email template. When the reminder is processed (either triggered manually or via the daily cron job), the injected directives are evaluated server-side. By chaining Velocity's #set directive with Java reflection, an attacker can instantiate arbitrary Java classes such as java.lang.ProcessBuilder and execute operating system commands with the privileges of the Tomcat process (typically root in containerized deployments). This issue has been patched in versions 19.1.31, 20.1.18, and 20.2.5.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.41%

33.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-1336

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Frentix	Openolat	< 19.1.31
Frentix	Openolat	>= 20.0.0, < 20.1.18
Frentix	Openolat	>= 20.2.0, < 20.2.5

References

https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/security/advisories/GHSA-55qg-vvgj-ffh4Mitigation, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 30, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-28228?

OpenOlat is an open source web-based e-learning platform for teaching, learning, assessment and communication. Prior to versions 19.1.31, 20.1.18, and 20.2.5, an authenticated user with the Author role can inject Velocity directives into a reminder email template. When the reminder is processed (either triggered manually or via the daily cron job), the injected directives are evaluated server-side. By chaining Velocity's #set directive with Java reflection, an attacker can instantiate arbitrary Java classes such as java.lang.ProcessBuilder and execute operating system commands with the privileges of the Tomcat process (typically root in containerized deployments). This issue has been patched in versions 19.1.31, 20.1.18, and 20.2.5.

How severe is CVE-2026-28228?

CVE-2026-28228 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.41% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-28228?

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.

How Strix Helps

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