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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2021-29442

HighExploited

Authentication bypass for specific endpoint

Published Apr 27, 2021 · Updated Jul 9, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-xv5h-v7jh-p2qh

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2021-29442 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Nacos (Alibaba), com.alibaba.nacos:nacos-common (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 66% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including Nacos 1.4.1, com.alibaba.nacos:nacos-common 1.4.1.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

7.5

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

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

66%

Higher than 99.2% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

Yes

2 catalog listings

Public exploit code

None known

Get the full CVE-2021-29442 brief as a PDF

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Description

Nacos is a platform designed for dynamic service discovery and configuration and service management. In Nacos before version 1.4.1, the ConfigOpsController lets the user perform management operations like querying the database or even wiping it out. While the /data/remove endpoint is properly protected with the @Secured annotation, the /derby endpoint is not protected and can be openly accessed by unauthenticated users. These endpoints are only valid when using embedded storage (derby DB) so this issue should not affect those installations using external storage (e.g. mysql)

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
Industry KEV feedNov 19, 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
NacosAlibaba>= < 1.4.11.4.1
com.alibaba.nacos:nacos-commonmavenSee advisory1.4.1

Patched Releases

Nacos

1.4.1

com.alibaba.nacos:nacos-common

1.4.1

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Apr 27, 2021

  2. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Oct 14, 2023

  3. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Nov 19, 2023

  4. Last updated

    Jul 9, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-290 Authentication Bypass by Spoofing
  • CWE-306 Missing Authentication for Critical Function

References

13 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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