CVE-2021-20492

Name: CVE-2021-20492
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-05-26T17:15:14.297+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.2/10EPSS 2.07%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-20492 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.2/10 on the CVSS scale. IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, and Liberty Java Batch is vulnerable to an 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 2.07% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, and Liberty Java Batch is vulnerable to an 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: 197793.

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

2.07%

79.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-611

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
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
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 17.0.0.3, <= 21.0.0.5

References

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/197793VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6456017Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/197793VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6456017Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: May 26, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-20492?

How severe is CVE-2021-20492?

CVE-2021-20492 has a CVSS score of 8.2/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.07% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20492?

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-2021-20492?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST