CVE-2021-42258

Name: CVE-2021-42258
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-10-22T22:15:07.907+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 73.27%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-42258 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. BQE BillQuick Web Suite 2018 through 2021 before 22.0.9.1 allows SQL injection for unauthenticated remote code execution, as exploited in the wild in October 2021 for ransomware installation. SQL injection can, for example, use the txtID (aka username) parameter. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 73.27% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

BQE BillQuick Web Suite 2018 through 2021 before 22.0.9.1 allows SQL injection for unauthenticated remote code execution, as exploited in the wild in October 2021 for ransomware installation. SQL injection can, for example, use the txtID (aka username) parameter. Successful exploitation can include the ability to execute arbitrary code as MSSQLSERVER$ via xp_cmdshell.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

73.27%

99.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Nov 17, 2021.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Bqe	Billquick Web Suite	>= 19, < 22.0.9.1

References

https://www.huntress.com/blog/threat-advisory-hackers-are-exploiting-a-vulnerability-in-popular-billing-software-to-deploy-ransomwareExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.huntress.com/blog/threat-advisory-hackers-are-exploiting-a-vulnerability-in-popular-billing-software-to-deploy-ransomwareExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-42258US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Oct 22, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-42258?

How severe is CVE-2021-42258?

CVE-2021-42258 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 73.27% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2021-42258?

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-2021-42258?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST