CVE-2021-43298: The code that performs password matching when using 'Basic' HTTP authentication does not use a constant-time m

Q: How do I fix CVE-2021-43298?

goahead: upgrade to 5.1.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2021-43298 being exploited?

CVE-2021-43298 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2021-43298 affect?

CVE-2021-43298 affects goahead. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The code that performs password matching when using 'Basic' HTTP authentication does not use a constant-time memcmp and has no rate-limiting. This means that an unauthenticated network attacker can brute-force the HTTP basic password, byte-

Q: How urgent is CVE-2021-43298?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-43298 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting goahead. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The code that performs password matching when using 'Basic' HTTP authentication does not use a constant-time memcmp and has no rate-limiting. This means that an unauthenticated network attacker can brute-force the HTTP basic password, byte-by-byte, by recording the webserver's response time until the unauthorized (401) response.

Why this priority

Critical severity
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	2.3% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-208, CWE-307
Published	2022-01-25
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): JFrog · Vendor: embedthis

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-01-25 20:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

embedthis goahead UPGRADE

Affected: < 5.1.4

Fixed in: 5.1.4

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 5.1.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade goahead

Note

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

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-2021-43298?

goahead: upgrade to 5.1.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-43298 being exploited?

CVE-2021-43298 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-2021-43298 affect?

CVE-2021-43298 affects goahead. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The code that performs password matching when using 'Basic' HTTP authentication does not use a constant-time memcmp and has no rate-limiting. This means that an unauthenticated network attacker can brute-force the HTTP basic password, byte-

How urgent is CVE-2021-43298?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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