CVE-2022-31018: Play Framework is a web framework for Java and Scala

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2022-31018 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.

Play Framework is a web framework for Java and Scala. A denial of service vulnerability has been discovered in verions 2.8.3 through 2.8.15 of Play's forms library, in both the Scala and Java APIs. This can occur when using either the `Form#bindFromRequest` method on a JSON request body or the `Form#bind` method directly on a JSON value. If the JSON data being bound to the form contains a deeply-nested JSON object or array, the form binding imple

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	1.7% (top 23%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-400
Published	2022-06-02
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: lightbend

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-06-02 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:44 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lightbend play framework UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.8.3 and <= 2.8.15

Fixed in: newer than 2.8.15

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.8.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.8.15 (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 2.8.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison play-framework sudo apt install play-framework=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.8.3> 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_2.8.3> 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-2022-31018?

play framework: upgrade to newer than 2.8.15. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-31018 being exploited?

CVE-2022-31018 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-2022-31018 affect?

CVE-2022-31018 affects play framework. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Play Framework is a web framework for Java and Scala. A denial of service vulnerability has been discovered in verions 2.8.3 through 2.8.15 of Play's forms library, in both the Scala and Java APIs. This can occur when using either the `Form

How urgent is CVE-2022-31018?

Priority 51/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Java vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-31023 MEDIUM 5.9 UPGRADE Play Framework is a web framework for Java and Scala
CVE-2020-2200 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE Jenkins Play Framework Plugin 1.0.2 and earlier lets users specify the path to the `play` command on the Jenki
CVE-2020-28923 LOW 2.7 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in Play Framework 2.8.0 through 2.8.4
CVE-2020-27196 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in PlayJava in Play Framework 2.6.0 through 2.8.2
CVE-2020-26883 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE In Play Framework 2.6.0 through 2.8.2, stack consumption can occur because of unbounded recursion during parsi

References

← Back to latest CVEs