CVE-2021-42860: A stack buffer overflow exists in Mini-XML v3.2

This week

HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2021-42860 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 stack buffer overflow exists in Mini-XML v3.2. When inputting an unformed XML string to the mxmlLoadString API, it will cause a stack-buffer-overflow in mxml_string_getc:2611. NOTE: it is unclear whether this input is allowed by the API specification

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-2021-42860?

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

Is CVE-2021-42860 being exploited?

CVE-2021-42860 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-2021-42860 affect?

CVE-2021-42860 affects mini-xml. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). A stack buffer overflow exists in Mini-XML v3.2. When inputting an unformed XML string to the mxmlLoadString API, it will cause a stack-buffer-overflow in mxml_string_getc:2611. NOTE: it is unclear whether this input is allowed by the API s

How urgent is CVE-2021-42860?

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

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-42859 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE A memory leak issue was discovered in Mini-XML v3.2 that could cause a denial of service

References

← Back to latest CVEs