How severe is CVE-2021-20193?

CVE-2021-20193 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 3.3, rated low severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability low.

Is CVE-2021-20193 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (61st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-20193?

CVE-2021-20193 affects Gnu Tar. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20193?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2021-20193 published?

CVE-2021-20193 was published on 2021-03-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-20193

CVE-2021-20193 is a low-severity vulnerability in Gnu Tar with a CVSS 3.x base score of 3.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-125.

Key facts

Severity: Low (CVSS 3.x base score 3.3)
CVSS v2: 4.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (61st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-125
Affected product: Gnu Tar
Published: 2021-03-26
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A flaw was found in the src/list.c of tar 1.33 and earlier. This flaw allows an attacker who can submit a crafted input file to tar to cause uncontrolled consumption of memory. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to system availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-20193?: A flaw was found in the src/list.c of tar 1.33 and earlier. This flaw allows an attacker who can submit a crafted input file to tar to cause uncontrolled consumption of memory. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to system availability.
How severe is CVE-2021-20193?: CVE-2021-20193 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 3.3, rated low severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability low.
Is CVE-2021-20193 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (61st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-20193?: CVE-2021-20193 affects Gnu Tar. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-20193?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2021-20193 published?: CVE-2021-20193 was published on 2021-03-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:tar:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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