CVE-2021-42859: A memory leak issue was discovered in Mini-XML v3.2 that could cause a denial of service

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2021-42859 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting mini-xml. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A memory leak issue was discovered in Mini-XML v3.2 that could cause a denial of service. NOTE: testing reports are inconsistent, with some testers seeing the issue in both the 3.2 release and in the October 2021 development code, but others not seeing the issue in the 3.2 release

Why this priority

High severity
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	1.0% (top 36%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-772
Published	2022-05-26
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mini-xml project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-05-26 12:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mini-xml project mini-xml DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mini-xml || rpm -q mini-xml || mini-xml --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mini-xml sudo apt install mini-xml=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2> sudo apt-mark hold mini-xml

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

dnf --showduplicates list mini-xml sudo dnf downgrade mini-xml-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2> sudo dnf versionlock add mini-xml

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-2021-42859?

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

Is CVE-2021-42859 being exploited?

CVE-2021-42859 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-2021-42859 affect?

CVE-2021-42859 affects mini-xml. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). A memory leak issue was discovered in Mini-XML v3.2 that could cause a denial of service. NOTE: testing reports are inconsistent, with some testers seeing the issue in both the 3.2 release and in the October 2021 development code, but other

How urgent is CVE-2021-42859?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-42860 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE A stack buffer overflow exists in Mini-XML v3.2

References

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