CVE-2021-27211: steghide 0.5.1 relies on a certain 32-bit seed value, which makes it easier for attackers to detect hidden dat

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2021-27211 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting steghide. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

steghide 0.5.1 relies on a certain 32-bit seed value, which makes it easier for attackers to detect hidden data.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	3.3% (top 11%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-335
Published	2021-02-15
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: steghide project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-02-15 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:44 UTCUpdated Record last modified

steghide project steghide DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.5.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.5.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy steghide || rpm -q steghide || steghide --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.5.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison steghide sudo apt install steghide=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.5.1> sudo apt-mark hold steghide

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list steghide sudo dnf downgrade steghide-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.5.1> sudo dnf versionlock add steghide

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-2021-27211?

steghide: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-27211 being exploited?

CVE-2021-27211 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-2021-27211 affect?

CVE-2021-27211 affects steghide. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). steghide 0.5.1 relies on a certain 32-bit seed value, which makes it easier for attackers to detect hidden data.

How urgent is CVE-2021-27211?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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