CVE-2021-31598: An issue was discovered in libezxml.a in ezXML 0.8.6

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEWATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2021-31598 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ezxml, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An issue was discovered in libezxml.a in ezXML 0.8.6. The function ezxml_decode() performs incorrect memory handling while parsing crafted XML files, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

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	1.3% (top 30%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2021-04-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · ezxml project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-04-24 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:52 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ezxml project ezxml DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.8.6

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.8.6

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.8.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ezxml sudo apt install ezxml=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.8.6> sudo apt-mark hold ezxml

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

dnf --showduplicates list ezxml sudo dnf downgrade ezxml-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.8.6> sudo dnf versionlock add ezxml

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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2021-31598?

ezxml: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-31598 being exploited?

CVE-2021-31598 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-2021-31598 affect?

CVE-2021-31598 affects ezxml, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). An issue was discovered in libezxml.a in ezXML 0.8.6. The function ezxml_decode() performs incorrect memory handling while parsing crafted XML files, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.

How urgent is CVE-2021-31598?

Priority 54/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-30045 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE An issue was discovered in libezxml.a in ezXML 0.8.6
CVE-2021-31348 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE An issue was discovered in libezxml.a in ezXML 0.8.6
CVE-2021-31347 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE An issue was discovered in libezxml.a in ezXML 0.8.6
CVE-2021-31229 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE An issue was discovered in libezxml.a in ezXML 0.8.6
CVE-2021-26222 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE The ezxml_new function in ezXML 0.8.6 and earlier is vulnerable to OOB write when opening XML file after exhau

References

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