# CVE-2021-32039: MongoDB Extension for VS Code may unexpectedly store credentials locally in clear text

> Attackers with local file access can read unencrypted MongoDB credentials stored by the VS Code extension, potentially leading to unauthorized database access.

- **Severity:** Medium 5.5 (`CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Any signed-in user
- **Attackable:** Local or same network only
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 20 Jan 2022
- **Updated:** 17 Sep 2024
- **Also known as:** BIT-mongodb-2021-32039, GHSA-6fjw-fw76-494w, MINI-2ch9-hq7v-fqrx, MINI-f2vq-f2vm-2w25

## What is CVE-2021-32039?

CVE-2021-32039 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Mongodb Mongodb, published on 20 Jan 2022. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

### Official description

Users with appropriate file access may be able to access unencrypted user credentials saved by MongoDB Extension for VS Code in a binary file. These credentials may be used by malicious attackers to perform unauthorized actions. This vulnerability affects all MongoDB Extension for VS Code including and prior to version 0.7.0

Weakness: CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-32039?

1 open source package ship an affected version, including mongodb. It affects 1 product.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `mongodb` | Bitnami | All versions | 0.7.1 |

Products: Mongodb Mongodb.

## How do I fix CVE-2021-32039?

Upgrade mongodb to 0.7.1 or later.

## Is CVE-2021-32039 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-32039 in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Other vulnerabilities in Mongodb Mongodb

- [CVE-2025-14847](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2025-14847/): MongoDB and MongoDB Server Improper Handling of Length Parameter Inconsistency (high 8.7, exploited in the wild)
- [CVE-2026-82067](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-82067/): Auth bypass in MongoDB Server (critical 9.2)
- [CVE-2026-13072](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-13072/): MongoDB Improper Input Validation in Compute Mode External Data Processing Leading to Memory Corruption (critical 9.2)
- [CVE-2017-15535](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2017-15535/): Denial of service in n/a (critical 9.1)
- [CVE-2026-18691](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-18691/): Improper Authentication in MongoDB Intra-Cluster Connections Allows Credential Exposure (critical 9.0)

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2021-32039 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2021-32039 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Mongodb Mongodb, published on 20 Jan 2022. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-32039 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- mongodb (Bitnami): affected all versions; fixed in 0.7.1

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2021-32039/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2021-32039/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2021-32039
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-32039
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2021-32039

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2021-32039/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.