PatchTheCVECVE-2021-36157: An issue was discovered in Grafana Cortex through 1.9.0
CVE-2021-36157 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting cortex. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
An issue was discovered in Grafana Cortex through 1.9.0. The header value X-Scope-OrgID is used to construct file paths for rules files, and if crafted to conduct directory traversal such as ae ../../sensitive/path/in/deployment pathname, then Cortex will attempt to parse a rules file at that location and include some of the contents in the error message. (Other Cortex API requests can also be sent a malicious OrgID header, e.g., tricking the ing
Why this priority
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.3 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.4% (top 28%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-22 |
| Published | 2021-08-03 |
| 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-2021-36157?
cortex: upgrade to newer than 1.9.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-36157 being exploited?
CVE-2021-36157 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-2021-36157 affect?
CVE-2021-36157 affects cortex. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). An issue was discovered in Grafana Cortex through 1.9.0. The header value X-Scope-OrgID is used to construct file paths for rules files, and if crafted to conduct directory traversal such as ae ../../sensitive/path/in/deployment pathname, t
How urgent is CVE-2021-36157?
Priority 47/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist
Software pages
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