CVE-2021-20454

Name: CVE-2021-20454
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-04-21T12:15:08.257+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.2/10EPSS 2.91%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-20454 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.2/10 on the CVSS scale. IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 is vulnerable to a XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack when processing XML data. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to expose sensitive information or consume memory resources. EPSS estimates a 2.91% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 is vulnerable to a XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack when processing XML data. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to expose sensitive information or consume memory resources. IBM X-Force ID: 196649.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.2/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:L

EPSS Probability

2.91%

85.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-611

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 7.0.0.0, <= 7.0.0.45
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 8.0.0.0, <= 8.0.0.15
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 8.5.0.0, <= 8.5.5.19
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 9.0.0.0, <= 9.0.5.7

References

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/196649Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6445481Third Party Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/196649Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6445481Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Apr 21, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-20454?

How severe is CVE-2021-20454?

CVE-2021-20454 has a CVSS score of 8.2/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.91% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20454?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-20454?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST