CVE-2021-41152: OpenOlat is a web-based e-learning platform for teaching, learning, assessment and communication, an LMS, a learning management system. In affected ve...

Description

OpenOlat is a web-based e-learning platform for teaching, learning, assessment and communication, an LMS, a learning management system. In affected versions by manipulating the HTTP request an attacker can modify the path of a requested file download in the folder component to point to anywhere on the target system. The attack could be used to read any file accessible in the web root folder or outside, depending on the configuration of the system and the properly configured permission of the application server user. The attack requires an OpenOlat user account or the enabled guest user feature together with the usage of the folder component in a course. The attack does not allow writing of arbitrary files, it allows only reading of files and also only ready of files that the attacker knows the exact path which is very unlikely at least for OpenOlat data files. The problem is fixed in version 15.5.8 and 16.0.1 It is advised to upgrade to version 16.0.x. There are no known workarounds to fix this problem, an upgrade is necessary.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.7/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.20%

64.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Frentix	Openolat	< 15.5.8

References

https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/418bb509ffcb0e25ab4390563c6c47f0458583ebPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/security/advisories/GHSA-m8j5-837g-2p3fThird Party Advisory
https://jira.openolat.org/browse/OO-5696Permissions Required, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/418bb509ffcb0e25ab4390563c6c47f0458583ebPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/security/advisories/GHSA-m8j5-837g-2p3fThird Party Advisory
https://jira.openolat.org/browse/OO-5696Permissions Required, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Oct 18, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-41152?

OpenOlat is a web-based e-learning platform for teaching, learning, assessment and communication, an LMS, a learning management system. In affected versions by manipulating the HTTP request an attacker can modify the path of a requested file download in the folder component to point to anywhere on the target system. The attack could be used to read any file accessible in the web root folder or outside, depending on the configuration of the system and the properly configured permission of the application server user. The attack requires an OpenOlat user account or the enabled guest user feature together with the usage of the folder component in a course. The attack does not allow writing of arbitrary files, it allows only reading of files and also only ready of files that the attacker knows the exact path which is very unlikely at least for OpenOlat data files. The problem is fixed in version 15.5.8 and 16.0.1 It is advised to upgrade to version 16.0.x. There are no known workarounds to fix this problem, an upgrade is necessary.

How severe is CVE-2021-41152?

CVE-2021-41152 has a CVSS score of 7.7/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.20% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-41152?

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.