CVE-2021-27230

Name: CVE-2021-27230
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-03-15T23:15:12.703+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 2.83%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-27230 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. ExpressionEngine before 5.4.2 and 6.x before 6.0.3 allows PHP Code Injection by certain authenticated users who can leverage Translate::save() to write to an _lang.php file under the system/user/language directory.. EPSS estimates a 2.83% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

ExpressionEngine before 5.4.2 and 6.x before 6.0.3 allows PHP Code Injection by certain authenticated users who can leverage Translate::save() to write to an _lang.php file under the system/user/language directory.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

2.83%

84.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-94

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Expressionengine	Expressionengine	< 5.4.2
Expressionengine	Expressionengine	>= 6.0.0, < 6.0.3

References

http://karmainsecurity.com/KIS-2021-03Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/161805/ExpressionEngine-6.0.2-PHP-Code-Injection.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2021/Mar/32Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://expressionengine.com/featuresVendor Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/1093444Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory
http://karmainsecurity.com/KIS-2021-03Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/161805/ExpressionEngine-6.0.2-PHP-Code-Injection.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2021/Mar/32Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://expressionengine.com/featuresVendor Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/1093444Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-27230?

How severe is CVE-2021-27230?

CVE-2021-27230 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.83% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-27230?

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-2021-27230?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST