# CVE-2021-40143: HTTP header injection in Sonatype Nexus Repository


- **Severity:** High 8.2 (`CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 7 Sep 2021
- **Updated:** 4 Aug 2024
- **Also known as:** GHSA-f34x-8pf6-qc9c

## What is CVE-2021-40143?

CVE-2021-40143 is a high-severity vulnerability in Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager, published on 7 Sep 2021. 

### Official description

Sonatype Nexus Repository 3.x through 3.33.1-01 is vulnerable to an HTTP header injection. By sending a crafted HTTP request, a remote attacker may disclose sensitive information or request external resources from a vulnerable instance.

Weakness: CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-40143?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including org.sonatype.nexus:nexus-repository. It affects 1 product.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `org.sonatype.nexus:nexus-repository` | Maven | From 3.0.0 | 3.34.0-01 |
| `org.sonatype.nexus:nexus-repository` | Maven | From 3.0.0 | 3.34.0-01 |

Products: Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager.

## How do I fix CVE-2021-40143?

Upgrade org.sonatype.nexus:nexus-repository to 3.34.0-01 or later.

## Is CVE-2021-40143 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-40143 in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Other vulnerabilities in Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager

- [CVE-2019-7238](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2019-7238/): Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager Incorrect Access Control (critical 9.8, exploited in the wild)
- [CVE-2019-9629](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2019-9629/): Hardcoded credentials in n/a (critical 9.8)
- [CVE-2017-17717](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2017-17717/): Hardcoded credentials in n/a (critical 9.8)
- [CVE-2026-3199](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-3199/): Nexus Repository 3 - Authenticated Remote Code Execution via Task Property Injection (critical 9.4)
- [CVE-2026-5189](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-5189/): Nexus Repository 3 - Hardcoded Credential in Internal Database Component (critical 9.2)

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2021-40143 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2021-40143 is a high-severity vulnerability in Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager, published on 7 Sep 2021. 
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-40143 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- org.sonatype.nexus:nexus-repository (Maven): affected from 3.0.0; fixed in 3.34.0-01
- org.sonatype.nexus:nexus-repository (Maven): affected from 3.0.0; fixed in 3.34.0-01

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-2021-40143/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2021-40143/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2021-40143
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-40143
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2021-40143

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2021-40143/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.