CVE-2021-23355

Name: CVE-2021-23355
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-03-15T17:15:21.41+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 1.20%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-23355 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. This affects all versions of package ps-kill. If (attacker-controlled) user input is given to the kill function, it is possible for an attacker to execute arbitrary commands. EPSS estimates a 1.20% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

This affects all versions of package ps-kill. If (attacker-controlled) user input is given to the kill function, it is possible for an attacker to execute arbitrary commands. This is due to use of the child_process exec function without input sanitization in the index.js file. PoC (provided by reporter): var ps_kill = require('ps-kill'); ps_kill.kill('$(touch success)',function(){});

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.20%

64.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-78

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ps-Kill Project	Ps-Kill	All versions

References

https://snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-PSKILL-1078529Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-PSKILL-1078529Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 15, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-23355?

How severe is CVE-2021-23355?

CVE-2021-23355 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.20% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-23355?

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-2021-23355?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST