CVE-2021-3401

Name: CVE-2021-3401
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-02-04T05:15:13.037+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 10.48%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-3401 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Bitcoin Core before 0.19.0 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when another application unsafely passes the -platformpluginpath argument to the bitcoin-qt program, as demonstrated by an x-scheme-handler/bitcoin handler for a .desktop file or a web browser. NOTE: the discoverer states "I believe that this vulnerability cannot actually be exploited.". EPSS estimates a 10.48% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Bitcoin Core before 0.19.0 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when another application unsafely passes the -platformpluginpath argument to the bitcoin-qt program, as demonstrated by an x-scheme-handler/bitcoin handler for a .desktop file or a web browser. NOTE: the discoverer states "I believe that this vulnerability cannot actually be exploited."

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

10.48%

95.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-88

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Bitcoin	Bitcoin	< 0.19.0

References

https://achow101.com/2021/02/0.18-uri-vulnThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/16578Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://achow101.com/2021/02/0.18-uri-vulnThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/16578Patch, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Feb 4, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-3401?

How severe is CVE-2021-3401?

CVE-2021-3401 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 10.48% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-3401?

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-2021-3401?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST