PatchTheCVECVE-2021-42561: An issue was discovered in CALDERA 2.8.1
CVE-2021-42561 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting caldera. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
An issue was discovered in CALDERA 2.8.1. When activated, the Human plugin passes the unsanitized name parameter to a python "os.system" function. This allows attackers to use shell metacharacters (e.g., backticks "``" or dollar parenthesis "$()" ) in order to escape the current command and execute arbitrary shell commands.
Why this priority
- High severity
- EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 8.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 19.6% (top 3%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-74 |
| Published | 2022-01-12 |
| 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-2021-42561?
caldera: upgrade to newer than 2.8.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-42561 being exploited?
CVE-2021-42561 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-2021-42561 affect?
CVE-2021-42561 affects caldera. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). An issue was discovered in CALDERA 2.8.1. When activated, the Human plugin passes the unsanitized name parameter to a python "os.system" function. This allows attackers to use shell metacharacters (e.g., backticks "``" or dollar parenthesis
How urgent is CVE-2021-42561?
Priority 60/100. High severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference
Software pages
Related CVEs
- CVE-2022-41139 MEDIUM 5.4 UPGRADE MITRE CALDERA 4.1.0 allows stored XSS via app.contact.gist (aka the gist contact configuration field), leading
- CVE-2022-40606 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE MITRE CALDERA before 4.1.0 allows XSS in the Operations tab and/or Debrief plugin via a crafted operation name
- CVE-2022-40605 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE MITRE CALDERA before 4.1.0 allows XSS in the Operations tab and/or Debrief plugin via a crafted operation name
- CVE-2021-42562 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in CALDERA 2.8.1
- CVE-2021-42560 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE An issue was discovered in CALDERA 2.9.0