PatchTheCVECVE-2021-3271: PressBooks 5.17.3 contains a cross-site scripting (XSS)
CVE-2021-3271 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.8) affecting pressbooks. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
PressBooks 5.17.3 contains a cross-site scripting (XSS). Stored XSS can be submitted via the Book Info's Long Description Body, and all actions to open or preview the books page will result in the triggering the stored XSS.
Why this priority
- Public exploit reference
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 4.8 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | High |
| User interaction | Required |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.9% (top 39%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-79 |
| Published | 2021-02-18 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2021-3271?
pressbooks: upgrade to newer than 5.17.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-3271 being exploited?
CVE-2021-3271 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-2021-3271 affect?
CVE-2021-3271 affects pressbooks. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.8). PressBooks 5.17.3 contains a cross-site scripting (XSS). Stored XSS can be submitted via the Book Info's Long Description Body, and all actions to open or preview the books page will result in the triggering the stored XSS.
How urgent is CVE-2021-3271?
Priority 37/100. Public exploit reference