CVE-2021-32471

Name: CVE-2021-32471
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-05-10T05:15:06.64+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.85%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-32471 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Insufficient input validation in the Marvin Minsky 1967 implementation of the Universal Turing Machine allows program users to execute arbitrary code via crafted data. For example, a tape head may have an unexpected location after the processing of input composed of As and Bs (instead of 0s and 1s). EPSS estimates a 0.85% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Insufficient input validation in the Marvin Minsky 1967 implementation of the Universal Turing Machine allows program users to execute arbitrary code via crafted data. For example, a tape head may have an unexpected location after the processing of input composed of As and Bs (instead of 0s and 1s). NOTE: the discoverer states "this vulnerability has no real-world implications."

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.85%

53.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-20

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Mit	Universal Turing Machine	All versions

References

https://arxiv.org/abs/2105.02124Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/intrinsic-propensity/turing-machineExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://arxiv.org/abs/2105.02124Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/intrinsic-propensity/turing-machineExploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: May 10, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-32471?

How severe is CVE-2021-32471?

CVE-2021-32471 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.85% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-32471?

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-2021-32471?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST