CVE-2021-45268

Name: CVE-2021-45268
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-02-03T22:15:08.633+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 1.82%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-45268 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A Cross Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability exists in Backdrop CMS 1.20, which allows Remote Attackers to gain Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the Hosting Webserver via uploading a maliciously add-on with crafted PHP file. NOTE: the vendor disputes this because the attack requires a session cookie of a high-privileged authenticated user who is entitled to install arbitrary add-ons. EPSS estimates a 1.82% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A Cross Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability exists in Backdrop CMS 1.20, which allows Remote Attackers to gain Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the Hosting Webserver via uploading a maliciously add-on with crafted PHP file. NOTE: the vendor disputes this because the attack requires a session cookie of a high-privileged authenticated user who is entitled to install arbitrary add-ons

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.82%

76.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-352

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Backdropcms	Backdrop	1.20.0

References

https://github.com/V1n1v131r4/CSRF-to-RCE-on-Backdrop-CMSExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50323Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/V1n1v131r4/CSRF-to-RCE-on-Backdrop-CMSExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50323Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry

Timeline

Published: Feb 3, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-45268?

How severe is CVE-2021-45268?

CVE-2021-45268 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.82% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-45268?

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-2021-45268?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST