CVE-2021-22204KEV · OVERDUE

ExifTool Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Medium · published April 23, 2021

Patch now

The score understates this — it's already being exploited

CVSS calls it medium at 6.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 100.0th percentile for exploit probability.

1789
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
6.8
EPSS
100%
Percentile
100.0
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚠️ A cleverly crafted DjVu file is the gateway! With ExifTool versions 7.44 and up, just opening a malicious image could let an attacker run arbitrary code on your system. 🔥 Think of it like a restaurant's menu that allows a diner to order an item that doesn't exist, and instead the kitchen ends up preparing a dangerous concoction without checking the recipe. The file's seemingly harmless appearance masks a hidden threat! If a user inadvertently opens a compromised DjVu file, the consequences could be dire—an attacker can gain full control over the system, manipulating data or even stealing sensitive information. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant breach of security!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant's menu that allows a diner to order an item that doesn't exist, and instead the kitchen ends up preparing a dangerous concoction without checking the recipe. The file's seemingly harmless appearance masks a hidden threat! This vulnerability arises from the improper neutralization of user-supplied data in the DjVu file format, allowing attackers to exploit the parsing process in ExifTool and execute arbitrary code remotely. It's a critical oversight that can lead to severe outcomes.

What to do

If a user inadvertently opens a compromised DjVu file, the consequences could be dire—an attacker can gain full control over the system, manipulating data or even stealing sensitive information. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant breach of security! To protect against this vulnerability, immediately update ExifTool to the latest version where this issue has been fixed. Additionally, consider implementing strict file validation policies to prevent the execution of potentially harmful files. You've got this! Stay proactive and secure your systems with these steps. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
6.8 · MEDIUM
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.99981 · 100.0th percentile
Published
2021-04-23T17:22Z
KEV added
2021-11-17 · due 2021-12-01
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 17 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Dec 1
    kev
  • 23 APR 17:22Z
    Improper neutralization of user data in the DjVu file format in ExifTool versions 7.44 and up allows arbitrary code execution when parsing the malicious image
    cvelistv5