CVE-2021-38542

Name: CVE-2021-38542
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-01-04T09:15:07.267+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 5.9/10EPSS 2.35%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-38542 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5.9/10 on the CVSS scale. Apache James prior to release 3.6.1 is vulnerable to a buffering attack relying on the use of the STARTTLS command. This can result in Man-in -the-middle command injection attacks, leading potentially to leakage of sensible information.. EPSS estimates a 2.35% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Apache James prior to release 3.6.1 is vulnerable to a buffering attack relying on the use of the STARTTLS command. This can result in Man-in -the-middle command injection attacks, leading potentially to leakage of sensible information.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.9/10

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

EPSS Probability

2.35%

81.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Apache	James	< 3.6.1

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/09/20/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/09/20/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jan 4, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-38542?

How severe is CVE-2021-38542?

CVE-2021-38542 has a CVSS score of 5.9/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.35% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38542?

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-2021-38542?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST