CVE-2021-39181

Name: CVE-2021-39181
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-09-01T20:15:07.383+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 1.91%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-39181 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. OpenOlat is a web-based learning management system (LMS). Prior to version 15.3.18, 15.5.3, and 16.0.0, using a prepared import XML file (e.g. EPSS estimates a 1.91% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

OpenOlat is a web-based learning management system (LMS). Prior to version 15.3.18, 15.5.3, and 16.0.0, using a prepared import XML file (e.g. a course) any class on the Java classpath can be instantiated, including spring AOP bean factories. This can be used to execute code arbitrary code by the attacker. The attack requires an OpenOlat user account with the authoring role. 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

1.91%

77.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-91

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Frentix	Openolat	< 15.3.18
Frentix	Openolat	>= 15.5.0, < 15.5.3

References

https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/3f219ac457afde82e3be57bc614352ab92c05684Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/security/advisories/GHSA-596v-3gwh-2m9wThird Party Advisory
https://jira.openolat.org/browse/OO-5548Permissions Required
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/3f219ac457afde82e3be57bc614352ab92c05684Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/security/advisories/GHSA-596v-3gwh-2m9wThird Party Advisory
https://jira.openolat.org/browse/OO-5548Permissions Required

Timeline

Published: Sep 1, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-39181?

How severe is CVE-2021-39181?

CVE-2021-39181 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.91% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-39181?

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-2021-39181?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST