High severity · published Feb 3, 2021
CVE-2020-17516
Apache Cassandra versions 2.1.0 to 2.1.22, 2.2.0 to 2.2.19, 3.0.0 to 3.0.23, and 3.11.0 to 3.11.9, when using 'dc' or 'rack' internode_encryption setting, allows both encrypted…
7.5
CVSS
1.9%
EPSS
No
On KEV
Description
Apache Cassandra versions 2.1.0 to 2.1.22, 2.2.0 to 2.2.19, 3.0.0 to 3.0.23, and 3.11.0 to 3.11.9, when using 'dc' or 'rack' internode_encryption setting, allows both encrypted and unencrypted internode connections. A misconfigured node or a malicious user can use the unencrypted connection despite not being in the same rack or dc, and bypass mutual TLS requirement.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Attack vector
Network
Complexity
Low
Privileges
None
User interaction
None
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
None
Availability
None
Scope
Unchanged
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)1.9% · higher than 80% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
CA
Cassandra · Apache
2.1.0 through 2.1.22; 2.2.0 through 2.2.19; 3.0.0 through 3.0.23; 3.11.0 through 3.11.9 · source: NVD
References
NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-17516
CVE.org
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2020-17516
mail-archives.apache.org
http://mail-archives.apache.org/mod_mbox/cassandra-user/202102.mbox/%3c6E4340A5-D7BE-4D33-9EC5-3B505A626D8D%40apache.org%3e
lists.apache.org
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r81243a412a37a22211754936a13856af07cc68a93d728c52807486e9%40%3Ccommits.cassandra.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rcb16f36cafa184dd159e94033f87d0fc274c4752d467f3a09f2ceae4%40%3Ccommits.cassandra.apache.org%3E
lists.apache.org
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rd84bec24907617bdb72f7ec907cd7437a0fd5a8886eb55aa84dd1eb8%40%3Ccommits.cassandra.apache.org%3E
Mailing List
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210521-0002/
More from Cassandra
9.8
CVE-2016-3427
Oracle Java SE and JRockit Unspecified Vulnerability
9.8
CVE-2018-8016
The default configuration in Apache Cassandra 3.8 through 3.11.1 binds an unauthenticated JMX/RMI interface to all network interfaces, which allows remote attackers to execute…
9.1
CVE-2021-44521
When running Apache Cassandra with the following configuration: enable_user_defined_functions: true enable_scripted_user_defined_functions: true…
8.8
CVE-2026-27314
Apache Cassandra: Privilege escalation via ADD IDENTITY authorization bypass
8.8
CVE-2025-26467
Privilege Defined With Unsafe Actions vulnerability in Apache Cassandra
