CVE-2019-20343: The MojoHaus Exec Maven plugin 1.1.1 for Maven allows code execution via a crafted XML document because a conf

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2019-20343 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting exec maven. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The MojoHaus Exec Maven plugin 1.1.1 for Maven allows code execution via a crafted XML document because a configuration element (within a plugin element) can specify an arbitrary program in an executable element (and can also specify arbitrary command-line arguments in an arguments element).

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.4% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2020-01-06
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mojohaus

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-01-06 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:30 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mojohaus exec maven DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy exec-maven || rpm -q exec-maven || exec-maven --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison exec-maven sudo apt install exec-maven=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.1> sudo apt-mark hold exec-maven

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list exec-maven sudo dnf downgrade exec-maven-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.1> sudo dnf versionlock add exec-maven

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2019-20343?

exec maven: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-20343 being exploited?

CVE-2019-20343 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2019-20343 affect?

CVE-2019-20343 affects exec maven. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The MojoHaus Exec Maven plugin 1.1.1 for Maven allows code execution via a crafted XML document because a configuration element (within a plugin element) can specify an arbitrary program in an executable element (and can also specify arbitr

How urgent is CVE-2019-20343?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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