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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2021-27850

CriticalExploited

Remote code execution in Apache Tapestry

Published Jun 16, 2021 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-mj8x-cpr8-x39h

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2021-27850 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Tapestry (Apache), org.apache.tapestry:tapestry-core (maven).
  • It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV since Oct 14, 2023. No public exploit code is known.
  • EPSS estimates a 94% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including Tapestry 5.6.2, Tapestry Apache Tapestry 5.4.0*, Tapestry Apache Tapestry 5.6.0*.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

9.8

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

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

94%

Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

Yes

2 catalog listings

Public exploit code

None known

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Description

A critical unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability was found all recent versions of Apache Tapestry. The affected versions include 5.4.5, 5.5.0, 5.6.2 and 5.7.0. The vulnerability I have found is a bypass of the fix for CVE-2019-0195. Recap: Before the fix of CVE-2019-0195 it was possible to download arbitrary class files from the classpath by providing a crafted asset file URL. An attacker was able to download the file AppModule.class by requesting the URL http://localhost:8080/assets/something/services/AppModule.class which contains a HMAC secret key. The fix for that bug was a blacklist filter that checks if the URL ends with .class, .properties or .xml. Bypass: Unfortunately, the blacklist solution can simply be bypassed by appending a / at the end of the URL: http://localhost:8080/assets/something/services/AppModule.class/ The slash is stripped after the blacklist check and the file AppModule.class is loaded into the response. This class usually contains the HMAC secret key which is used to sign serialized Java objects. With the knowledge of that key an attacker can sign a Java gadget chain that leads to RCE (e.g. CommonsBeanUtils1 from ysoserial). Solution for this vulnerability: * For Apache Tapestry 5.4.0 to 5.6.1, upgrade to 5.6.2 or later. * For Apache Tapestry 5.7.0, upgrade to 5.7.1 or later.

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
Industry KEV feedDec 3, 2023n/aNot reported
CIRCL KEVOct 14, 2023n/aNot reported

Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Products

3 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
TapestryApache>= Apache Tapestry 5.5.05.6.2
org.apache.tapestry:tapestry-coremaven>= 5.4.05.7.1

Patched Releases

Tapestry

5.6.2, Apache Tapestry 5.4.0*, Apache Tapestry 5.6.0*

org.apache.tapestry:tapestry-core

5.6.3, 5.7.1

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Jun 16, 2021

  2. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Oct 14, 2023

  3. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Dec 3, 2023

  4. Last updated

    Jul 8, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-200 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor
  • CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data
  • CWE-922 Insecure Storage of Sensitive Information

References

12 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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