CVE-2021-38294
CriticalPublic exploitCommand 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| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| StormApache | >= v1.0.0 | 1.2.4 |
| org.apache.storm:stormmaven | >= 2.2.0 | 1.2.4 |
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
Publicly disclosed
Oct 26, 2021
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
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r5fe881f6ca883908b7a0f005d35115af49f43beea7a8b0915e377859%40%3Cuser.storm.apache.org%3E
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-38294
- advisoryhttps://seclists.org/oss-sec/2021/q4/44
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2021-38294
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: Storm (Apache) versions >= v1.0.0; org.apache.storm:storm (maven) versions >= 2.2.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
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.
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