CVE-2021-38146: The File Download API in Wipro Holmes Orchestrator 20.4.1 (20.4.1_02_11_2020) allows remote attackers to read

This week

HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2021-38146 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting holmes. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The File Download API in Wipro Holmes Orchestrator 20.4.1 (20.4.1_02_11_2020) allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via absolute path traversal in the SearchString JSON field in /home/download POST data.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
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	11.9% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2021-11-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: wipro

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-11-22 09:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

wipro holmes DOWNGRADE

Affected: 20.4.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 20.4.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 20.4.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison holmes sudo apt install holmes=<VERSION_BEFORE_20.4.1> sudo apt-mark hold holmes

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

dnf --showduplicates list holmes sudo dnf downgrade holmes-<VERSION_BEFORE_20.4.1> sudo dnf versionlock add holmes

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Nuclei scan template: Wipro Holmes Orchestrator 20.4.1 - Arbitrary File Download

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-2021-38146?

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

Is CVE-2021-38146 being exploited?

CVE-2021-38146 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-2021-38146 affect?

CVE-2021-38146 affects holmes. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The File Download API in Wipro Holmes Orchestrator 20.4.1 (20.4.1_02_11_2020) allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via absolute path traversal in the SearchString JSON field in /home/download POST data.

How urgent is CVE-2021-38146?

Priority 60/100. High severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-38283 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Wipro Holmes Orchestrator 20.4.1 (20.4.1_02_11_2020) allows remote attackers to read application log files con
CVE-2021-38147 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Wipro Holmes Orchestrator 20.4.1 (20.4.1_02_11_2020) allows remote attackers to download arbitrary files, such

References

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