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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2021-38294

CriticalPublic exploit

Command injection leading to Remote Code Execution in Apache Storm

Published Oct 26, 2021 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-6768-mcjc-8223, TR-21-0868

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2021-38294 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Storm (Apache), org.apache.storm:storm (maven).
  • It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 84% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including Storm 1.2.4, Storm Apache Storm*, Storm v1.2.4.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.

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)

84%

Higher than 99.6% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

No known

Not in a known-exploited catalog

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2021-38294 brief as a PDF

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Description

A Command Injection vulnerability exists in the getTopologyHistory service of the Apache Storm 2.x prior to 2.2.1 and Apache Storm 1.x prior to 1.2.4. A specially crafted thrift request to the Nimbus server allows Remote Code Execution (RCE) prior to authentication.

Affected Products

3 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
StormApache>= v1.0.01.2.4
org.apache.storm:stormmaven>= 2.2.01.2.4

Patched Releases

Storm

1.2.4, Apache Storm*, v1.2.4

org.apache.storm:storm

1.2.4, 2.1.1, 2.2.1

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Oct 26, 2021

  2. Last updated

    Jul 8, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
  • CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')

References

5 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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