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CVE-2020-5396: VMware GemFire versions prior to 9.10.0, 9.9.2, 9.8.7, and 9.7.6, and VMware Tanzu GemFire for VMs versions pr

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HIGH 8.8UPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-5396 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting gemfire, tanzu gemfire for virtual machines. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

VMware GemFire versions prior to 9.10.0, 9.9.2, 9.8.7, and 9.7.6, and VMware Tanzu GemFire for VMs versions prior to 1.11.1 and 1.10.2, when deployed without a SecurityManager, contain a JMX service available which contains an insecure default configuration. This allows a malicious user to create an MLet mbean leading to remote code execution.

Why this priority

  • High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score8.8 (High)
Attack vectorNetwork (remote)
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededLow
User interactionNone
EPSS exploit chance1.9% (top 20%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-284, CWE-862
Published2020-07-31
Last modified2026-06-17
Publisher (CNA): Pivotal Software, Inc. · Vendor: vmware

Share: LinkedIn · X · Reddit

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

vmware gemfire UPGRADE
Affected: >= 9.7.0 and < 9.7.6 · >= 9.8.0 and < 9.8.7 · >= 9.9.0 and < 9.9.2
Fixed in: 9.7.6, 9.8.7, 9.9.2
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.7.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy gemfire || rpm -q gemfire || gemfire --version
2. UPGRADE to 9.7.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade gemfire
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade gemfire
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 9.7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison gemfire sudo apt install gemfire=<VERSION_BEFORE_9.7.0> sudo apt-mark hold gemfire
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list gemfire sudo dnf downgrade gemfire-<VERSION_BEFORE_9.7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add gemfire
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.
vmware tanzu gemfire for virtual machines UPGRADE
Affected: >= 1.10.0 and < 1.10.2 · >= 1.11.0 and < 1.11.1
Fixed in: 1.10.2, 1.11.1
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.10.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines || rpm -q tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines || tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines --version
2. UPGRADE to 1.10.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines
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 1.10.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines sudo apt install tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.10.0> sudo apt-mark hold tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines sudo dnf downgrade tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.10.0> sudo dnf versionlock add tanzu-gemfire-for-virtual-machines
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-2020-5396?

gemfire: upgrade to 9.7.6, 9.8.7, 9.9.2; tanzu gemfire for virtual machines: upgrade to 1.10.2, 1.11.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-5396 being exploited?

CVE-2020-5396 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-2020-5396 affect?

CVE-2020-5396 affects gemfire, tanzu gemfire for virtual machines. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). VMware GemFire versions prior to 9.10.0, 9.9.2, 9.8.7, and 9.7.6, and VMware Tanzu GemFire for VMs versions prior to 1.11.1 and 1.10.2, when deployed without a SecurityManager, contain a JMX service available which contains an insecure defa

How urgent is CVE-2020-5396?

Priority 51/100. High severity

Software pages

VMware vulnerabilities

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References

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