How severe is CVE-2021-20354?

CVE-2021-20354 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2021-20354 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-20354?

CVE-2021-20354 affects Ibm Websphere Application Server. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20354?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-20354 published?

CVE-2021-20354 was published on 2021-02-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-20354

CVE-2021-20354 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Websphere Application Server with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-22.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 7.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (88th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-22
Affected product: Ibm Websphere Application Server
Published: 2021-02-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories. An attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary files on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 194883.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-20354?: IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories. An attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary files on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 194883.
How severe is CVE-2021-20354?: CVE-2021-20354 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2021-20354 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-20354?: CVE-2021-20354 affects Ibm Websphere Application Server. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-20354?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-20354 published?: CVE-2021-20354 was published on 2021-02-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:ibm:websphere_application_server:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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