CVE-2021-38714: In Plib through 1.85, there is an integer overflow vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution

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HIGH 8.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2021-38714 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting plib, debian linux, extra packages for enterprise linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In Plib through 1.85, there is an integer overflow vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is found in ssgLoadTGA() function in src/ssg/ssgLoadTGA.cxx file.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.8% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-190
Published	2021-08-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · fedoraproject · plib project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-08-24 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

plib project plib UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.8.5

Fixed in: newer than 1.8.5

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.8.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade plib

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade plib

Note

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

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.

fedoraproject extra packages for enterprise linux DOWNGRADE

Affected: 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux || rpm -q extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux || extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux sudo apt install extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0> sudo apt-mark hold extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux

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

dnf --showduplicates list extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux sudo dnf downgrade extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add extra-packages-for-enterprise-linux

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.

fedoraproject fedora MITIGATE

Affected: 34 · 35 · 36 · 37

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 34

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-2021-38714?

plib: upgrade to newer than 1.8.5; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; extra packages for enterprise linux: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-38714 being exploited?

CVE-2021-38714 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-2021-38714 affect?

CVE-2021-38714 affects plib, debian linux, extra packages for enterprise linux. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). In Plib through 1.85, there is an integer overflow vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is found in ssgLoadTGA() function in src/ssg/ssgLoadTGA.cxx file.

How urgent is CVE-2021-38714?

Priority 62/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

References

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