CVE-2020-11113 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8) affecting versions of the FasterXML jackson-databind library prior to 2.9.10.4. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of serialization gadgets and typing mechanisms within the library, specifically related to the class org.apache.openjpa.ee.WASRegistryManagedRuntime from the OpenJPA project. Jackson-databind is a widely used Java library for converting Java objects to and from JSON. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-502, which concerns unsafe deserialization. Unsafe deserialization vulnerabilities allow attackers to craft malicious input data that, when deserialized by the vulnerable library, can lead to arbitrary code execution, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The CVSS vector indicates that the attack can be performed remotely over the network without privileges and with low attack complexity, but requires user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged, meaning the vulnerability affects the vulnerable component itself. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, indicating potential full system compromise. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported, the nature of the vulnerability and the widespread use of jackson-databind in Java applications make it a significant threat. The absence of a patch link in the provided data suggests users should upgrade to at least version 2.9.10.4 or later, where the issue is resolved. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for applications that deserialize JSON input from untrusted sources, such as web services, APIs, or microservices architectures using jackson-databind for JSON processing.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2020-11113 can be substantial, especially for those relying on Java-based applications and services that use jackson-databind for JSON serialization and deserialization. Exploitation could lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, disrupt services, or move laterally within networks. This is critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where data confidentiality and service availability are paramount. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication and low complexity increases the risk of widespread attacks. Additionally, compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations means that a breach resulting from this vulnerability could lead to significant legal and financial penalties for European organizations. The requirement for user interaction may limit some attack vectors but does not eliminate the risk, especially in environments where users frequently interact with external data sources or APIs.

European organizations should immediately audit their software dependencies to identify usage of jackson-databind versions prior to 2.9.10.4. The primary mitigation is to upgrade jackson-databind to version 2.9.10.4 or later, where this vulnerability is patched. For applications where immediate upgrade is not feasible, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all JSON data before deserialization. Employing allowlists for acceptable classes during deserialization can reduce risk. Additionally, applying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting suspicious deserialization patterns can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Developers should review and restrict the use of polymorphic typing features in jackson-databind, as these are often exploited in deserialization attacks. Regular security testing, including static and dynamic analysis focused on deserialization vulnerabilities, should be integrated into the development lifecycle. Finally, organizations should monitor security advisories and threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits related to this CVE to respond promptly.