CVE-2023-22621
CriticalExploitedStrapi plugins vulnerable to Server-Side Template Injection and Remote Code Execution in the Users-Permissions Plugin
Published Apr 19, 2023 · Updated Aug 12, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-2h87-4q2w-v4hf
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-22621 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v3.1) affecting Strapi, @strapi/plugin-email (npm), @strapi/plugin-users-permissions (npm).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 4, 2026. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 71% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including @strapi/plugin-email 4.5.6, @strapi/plugin-users-permissions 4.5.6, Strapi 4.5.6.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
10.0
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
71%
Higher than 99.3% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
None known
Get the full CVE-2023-22621 brief as a PDF
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Description
Strapi through 4.5.5 allows authenticated Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the server. A remote attacker with access to the Strapi admin panel can inject a crafted payload that executes code on the server into an email template that bypasses the validation checks that should prevent code execution.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 4, 2026 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| StrapiStrapi | See advisory | 4.5.6 |
| @strapi/plugin-emailnpm | See advisory | 4.5.6 |
| @strapi/plugin-users-permissionsnpm | See advisory | 4.5.6 |
Patched Releases
@strapi/plugin-email
4.5.6
@strapi/plugin-users-permissions
4.5.6
Strapi
4.5.6
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 19, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 4, 2026
Last updated
Aug 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://github.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/tree/main/cves/2023/22xxx/CVE-2023-22621.json
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-22621
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploithttps://www.ghostccamm.com/blog/multi_strapi_vulns/
FAQ
Common Questions.
Strapi through 4.5.5 allows authenticated Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the server.
Affected: Strapi; @strapi/plugin-email (npm); @strapi/plugin-users-permissions (npm). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 4, 2026.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
Fixed versions are available, including @strapi/plugin-email 4.5.6, @strapi/plugin-users-permissions 4.5.6, Strapi 4.5.6.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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