CVE-2021-40525

Name: CVE-2021-40525
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-01-04T09:15:07.423+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.1/10EPSS 3.71%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-40525 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.1/10 on the CVSS scale. Apache James ManagedSieve implementation alongside with the file storage for sieve scripts is vulnerable to path traversal, allowing reading and writing any file. This vulnerability had been patched in Apache James 3.6.1 and higher. EPSS estimates a 3.71% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Apache James ManagedSieve implementation alongside with the file storage for sieve scripts is vulnerable to path traversal, allowing reading and writing any file. This vulnerability had been patched in Apache James 3.6.1 and higher. We recommend the upgrade. Distributed and Cassandra based products are also not impacted.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.1/10

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

EPSS Probability

3.71%

88.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Apache	James	< 3.6.2

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/02/07/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/02/07/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/04/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-40525?

How severe is CVE-2021-40525?

CVE-2021-40525 has a CVSS score of 9.1/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.71% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40525?

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-2021-40525?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST