CVE-2021-44981

Name: CVE-2021-44981
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-01-24T13:15:08.177+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 3.67%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-44981 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. In QuickBox Pro v2.5.8 and below, the config.php file has a variable which takes a GET parameter value and parses it into a shell_exec(''); function without properly sanitizing any shell arguments, therefore remote code execution is possible. Additionally, as the media server is running as root by default attackers can use the sudo command within this shell_exec(''); function, which allows for privilege escalation by means of RCE.. EPSS estimates a 3.67% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In QuickBox Pro v2.5.8 and below, the config.php file has a variable which takes a GET parameter value and parses it into a shell_exec(''); function without properly sanitizing any shell arguments, therefore remote code execution is possible. Additionally, as the media server is running as root by default attackers can use the sudo command within this shell_exec(''); function, which allows for privilege escalation by means of RCE.

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

3.67%

88.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-78

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Quickbox	Quickbox	<= 2.5.8

References

https://github.com/QuickBox/QB/issues/202Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://websec.nl/blog/61b2b37a43a1155c848f3b08/websec%20finds%20critical%20vulnerabilities%20in%20popular%20media%20serverExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/QuickBox/QB/issues/202Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://websec.nl/blog/61b2b37a43a1155c848f3b08/websec%20finds%20critical%20vulnerabilities%20in%20popular%20media%20serverExploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jan 24, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-44981?

How severe is CVE-2021-44981?

CVE-2021-44981 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.67% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-44981?

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-2021-44981?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST