PatchTheCVECVE-2021-40323: Cobbler before 3.3.0 allows log poisoning, and resultant Remote Code Execution, via an XMLRPC method that logs
CVE-2021-40323 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting cobbler. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Cobbler before 3.3.0 allows log poisoning, and resultant Remote Code Execution, via an XMLRPC method that logs to the logfile for template injection.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 86.8% (top 1%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-94 |
| Published | 2021-10-04 |
| 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
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: Cobbler <3.3.0 - Remote Code Execution
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-2021-40323?
cobbler: upgrade to newer than 3.3.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-40323 being exploited?
CVE-2021-40323 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-2021-40323 affect?
CVE-2021-40323 affects cobbler. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Cobbler before 3.3.0 allows log poisoning, and resultant Remote Code Execution, via an XMLRPC method that logs to the logfile for template injection.
How urgent is CVE-2021-40323?
Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Related CVEs
- CVE-2022-0860 CRITICAL 9.1 UPGRADE MITIGATE Improper Authorization in GitHub repository cobbler/cobbler prior to 3.3.2.
- CVE-2021-45083 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE MITIGATE An issue was discovered in Cobbler before 3.3.1
- CVE-2021-45082 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE An issue was discovered in Cobbler before 3.3.1
- CVE-2021-45081 MEDIUM 5.9 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in Cobbler through 3.3.1
- CVE-2021-40325 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Cobbler before 3.3.0 allows authorization bypass for modification of settings.