CVE-2021-39180: OpenOLAT is a web-based learning management system (LMS). A path traversal vulnerability exists in versions prior to 15.3.18, 15.5.3, and 16.0.0. Usin...

Description

OpenOLAT is a web-based learning management system (LMS). A path traversal vulnerability exists in versions prior to 15.3.18, 15.5.3, and 16.0.0. Using a specially prepared ZIP file, it is possible to overwrite any file that is writable by the application server user (e.g. the tomcat user). Depending on the configuration this can be limited to files of the OpenOlat user data directory, however, if not properly set up, the attack could also be used to overwrite application server config files, java code or even operating system files. The attack could be used to corrupt or modify any OpenOlat file such as course structures, config files or temporary test data. Those attack would require in-depth knowledge of the installation and thus more theoretical. If the app server configuration allows the execution of jsp files and the path to the context is known, it is also possible to execute java code. If the app server runs with the same user that is used to deploy the OpenOlat code or has write permissions on the OpenOlat code files and the path to the context is know, code injection is possible. The attack requires an OpenOlat user account to upload a ZIP file and trigger the unzip method. It can not be exploited by unregistered users. The problem is fixed in versions 15.3.18, 15.5.3 and 16.0.0. There are no known workarounds aside from upgrading.

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

2.44%

82.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Frentix	Openolat	< 15.3.18
Frentix	Openolat	>= 15.4.0, < 15.5.3

References

https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/2cf73c972e23ccd69cc1e103e43c2c8253571d3ePatch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/5668a41ab3f1753102a89757be013487544279d5Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/699490be8e931af0ef1f135c55384db1f4232637Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/security/advisories/GHSA-x95v-2pgj-9x8jThird Party Advisory
https://jira.openolat.org/browse/OO-5549Permissions Required, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/2cf73c972e23ccd69cc1e103e43c2c8253571d3ePatch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/5668a41ab3f1753102a89757be013487544279d5Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/699490be8e931af0ef1f135c55384db1f4232637Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/security/advisories/GHSA-x95v-2pgj-9x8jThird Party Advisory
https://jira.openolat.org/browse/OO-5549Permissions Required, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 31, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-39180?

OpenOLAT is a web-based learning management system (LMS). A path traversal vulnerability exists in versions prior to 15.3.18, 15.5.3, and 16.0.0. Using a specially prepared ZIP file, it is possible to overwrite any file that is writable by the application server user (e.g. the tomcat user). Depending on the configuration this can be limited to files of the OpenOlat user data directory, however, if not properly set up, the attack could also be used to overwrite application server config files, java code or even operating system files. The attack could be used to corrupt or modify any OpenOlat file such as course structures, config files or temporary test data. Those attack would require in-depth knowledge of the installation and thus more theoretical. If the app server configuration allows the execution of jsp files and the path to the context is known, it is also possible to execute java code. If the app server runs with the same user that is used to deploy the OpenOlat code or has write permissions on the OpenOlat code files and the path to the context is know, code injection is possible. The attack requires an OpenOlat user account to upload a ZIP file and trigger the unzip method. It can not be exploited by unregistered users. The problem is fixed in versions 15.3.18, 15.5.3 and 16.0.0. There are no known workarounds aside from upgrading.

How severe is CVE-2021-39180?

CVE-2021-39180 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.44% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-39180?

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.