CVE-2020-27196: An issue was discovered in PlayJava in Play Framework 2.6.0 through 2.8.2

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-27196 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting play framework. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An issue was discovered in PlayJava in Play Framework 2.6.0 through 2.8.2. The body parsing of HTTP requests eagerly parses a payload given a Content-Type header. A deep JSON structure sent to a valid POST endpoint (that may or may not expect JSON payloads) causes a StackOverflowError and Denial of Service.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.4% (top 27%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2020-11-06
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: lightbend

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-11-06 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:08 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lightbend play framework UPGRADE

Affected: <= 2.6.25 · >= 2.7.0 and <= 2.7.5 · >= 2.8.0 and <= 2.8.2

Fixed in: newer than 2.8.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.7.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy play-framework || rpm -q play-framework || play-framework --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.8.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade play-framework

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade play-framework

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison play-framework sudo apt install play-framework=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.0> sudo apt-mark hold play-framework

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list play-framework sudo dnf downgrade play-framework-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add play-framework

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-2020-27196?

play framework: upgrade to newer than 2.8.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-27196 being exploited?

CVE-2020-27196 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-2020-27196 affect?

CVE-2020-27196 affects play framework. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). An issue was discovered in PlayJava in Play Framework 2.6.0 through 2.8.2. The body parsing of HTTP requests eagerly parses a payload given a Content-Type header. A deep JSON structure sent to a valid POST endpoint (that may or may not expe

How urgent is CVE-2020-27196?

Priority 49/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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