CVE-2021-37146: An infinite loop in Open Robotics ros_comm XMLRPC server in ROS Melodic through 1.4.11 and ROS Noetic through1

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-37146 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ros-comm. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An infinite loop in Open Robotics ros_comm XMLRPC server in ROS Melodic through 1.4.11 and ROS Noetic through1.15.11 allows remote attackers to cause a Denial of Service in ros_comm via a crafted XMLRPC call.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-835
Published	2021-09-28
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ros

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-09-28 13:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:00 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ros ros-comm UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.4.11 · >= 1.15.0 and <= 1.15.11

Fixed in: newer than 1.15.11

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.15.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy ros-comm || rpm -q ros-comm || ros-comm --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.15.11 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade ros-comm

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade ros-comm

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.15.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ros-comm sudo apt install ros-comm=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.15.0> sudo apt-mark hold ros-comm

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list ros-comm sudo dnf downgrade ros-comm-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.15.0> sudo dnf versionlock add ros-comm

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-2021-37146?

ros-comm: upgrade to newer than 1.15.11. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-37146 being exploited?

CVE-2021-37146 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-2021-37146 affect?

CVE-2021-37146 affects ros-comm. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). An infinite loop in Open Robotics ros_comm XMLRPC server in ROS Melodic through 1.4.11 and ROS Noetic through1.15.11 allows remote attackers to cause a Denial of Service in ros_comm via a crafted XMLRPC call.

How urgent is CVE-2021-37146?

Priority 51/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2020-16124 HIGH 7.3 UPGRADE Integer Overflow or Wraparound vulnerability in the XML RPC library of OpenRobotics ros_comm communications pa

References

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