CVE-2021-20850 Command injection in PowerCMS XMLRPC API

Critical 9.8 Published 24 Nov 2021 Updated 3 Aug 2024

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands via the PowerCMS XMLRPC API, requiring immediate upgrades to secure versions.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-20850?

CVE-2021-20850 is a critical command injection vulnerability in Alfasado Inc. PowerCMS XMLRPC API, published on 24 Nov 2021. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

PowerCMS XMLRPC API of PowerCMS 5.19 and earlier, PowerCMS 4.49 and earlier, PowerCMS 3.295 and earlier, and PowerCMS 2 Series (End-of-Life, EOL) allows a remote attacker to execute an arbitrary OS command via unspecified vectors.

Weakness: CWE-78

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-20850?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Alfasado Powercms.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20850?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-20850 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.

Is CVE-2021-20850 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-20850 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-cw2g-2q23-x8ff.