CVE-2021-40111

Name: CVE-2021-40111
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-01-04T09:15:07.377+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 6.5/10EPSS 2.12%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-40111 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 6.5/10 on the CVSS scale. In Apache James, while fuzzing with Jazzer the IMAP parsing stack, we discover that crafted APPEND and STATUS IMAP command could be used to trigger infinite loops resulting in expensive CPU computations and OutOfMemory exceptions. This can be used for a Denial Of Service attack. EPSS estimates a 2.12% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In Apache James, while fuzzing with Jazzer the IMAP parsing stack, we discover that crafted APPEND and STATUS IMAP command could be used to trigger infinite loops resulting in expensive CPU computations and OutOfMemory exceptions. This can be used for a Denial Of Service attack. The IMAP user needs to be authenticated to exploit this vulnerability. This affected Apache James prior to version 3.6.1. This vulnerability had been patched in Apache James 3.6.1 and higher. We recommend the upgrade.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

2.12%

79.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-835

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Apache	James	< 3.6.1

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/3Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/3Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/3Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/3Mailing List, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-40111?

How severe is CVE-2021-40111?

CVE-2021-40111 has a CVSS score of 6.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.12% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40111?

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-2021-40111?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST