CVE-2021-27850
CriticalExploitedRemote 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
Get the full CVE-2021-27850 brief as a PDF
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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
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 3, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Oct 14, 2023 | n/a | Not 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| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| TapestryApache | >= Apache Tapestry 5.5.0 | 5.6.2 |
| org.apache.tapestry:tapestry-coremaven | >= 5.4.0 | 5.7.1 |
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
Publicly disclosed
Jun 16, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Oct 14, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 3, 2023
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
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r237ff7f286bda31682c254550c1ebf92b0ec61329b32fbeb2d1c8751%40%3Cusers.tapestry.apache.org%3E
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-27850
- advisoryhttps://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210528-0002/
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A critical unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability was found all recent versions of Apache Tapestry.
Affected: Tapestry (Apache) versions >= Apache Tapestry 5.5.0; org.apache.tapestry:tapestry-core (maven) versions >= 5.4.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV since Oct 14, 2023.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
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.
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