CVE-2021-38951

Name: CVE-2021-38951
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-12-09T17:15:07.793+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10EPSS 1.52%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-38951 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 is vulnerable to a denial of service, caused by sending a specially-crafted request. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause the server to consume all available CPU resources. EPSS estimates a 1.52% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 is vulnerable to a denial of service, caused by sending a specially-crafted request. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause the server to consume all available CPU resources. IBM X-Force ID: 211405.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.52%

71.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	7.0
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	8.0
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	8.5
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	9.0

References

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/211405VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6524674Vendor Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/211405VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6524674Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Dec 9, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-38951?

How severe is CVE-2021-38951?

CVE-2021-38951 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.52% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38951?

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-2021-38951?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST