CVE-2021-42840

Name: CVE-2021-42840
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-10-22T19:15:08.173+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 58.95%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-42840 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. SuiteCRM before 7.11.19 allows remote code execution via the system settings Log File Name setting. In certain circumstances involving admin account takeover, logger_file_name can refer to an attacker-controlled PHP file under the web root, because only the all-lowercase PHP file extensions were blocked. EPSS estimates a 58.95% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

SuiteCRM before 7.11.19 allows remote code execution via the system settings Log File Name setting. In certain circumstances involving admin account takeover, logger_file_name can refer to an attacker-controlled PHP file under the web root, because only the all-lowercase PHP file extensions were blocked. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2020-28328.

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

58.95%

99.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-434

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Salesagility	Suitecrm	< 7.11.19

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/165001/SuiteCRM-7.11.18-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.suitecrm.com/admin/releases/7.11.x/#_7_11_19Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/commits/master/modules/exploits/linux/http/suitecrm_log_file_rce.rbThird Party Advisory
https://suitecrm.com/time-to-upgrade-suitecrm-7-11-19-7-10-30-lts-released/Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://theyhack.me/SuiteCRM-RCE-2/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/165001/SuiteCRM-7.11.18-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.suitecrm.com/admin/releases/7.11.x/#_7_11_19Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/commits/master/modules/exploits/linux/http/suitecrm_log_file_rce.rbThird Party Advisory
https://suitecrm.com/time-to-upgrade-suitecrm-7-11-19-7-10-30-lts-released/Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://theyhack.me/SuiteCRM-RCE-2/Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-42840?

How severe is CVE-2021-42840?

CVE-2021-42840 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 58.95% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-42840?

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-2021-42840?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST