How severe is CVE-2021-20454?

CVE-2021-20454 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, 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 low.

Is CVE-2021-20454 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-20454?

CVE-2021-20454 primarily affects Ibm Websphere Application Server. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20454?

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-2021-20454 published?

CVE-2021-20454 was published on 2021-04-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-20454

CVE-2021-20454 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Websphere Application Server with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. 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-611.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
CVSS v2: 6.4
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (85th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-611
Affected product: Ibm Websphere Application Server
Published: 2021-04-21
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 is vulnerable to a XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack when processing XML data. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to expose sensitive information or consume memory resources. IBM X-Force ID: 196649.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-20454?: IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 is vulnerable to a XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack when processing XML data. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to expose sensitive information or consume memory resources. IBM X-Force ID: 196649.
How severe is CVE-2021-20454?: CVE-2021-20454 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, 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 low.
Is CVE-2021-20454 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-20454?: CVE-2021-20454 primarily affects Ibm Websphere Application Server. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-20454?: 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-2021-20454 published?: CVE-2021-20454 was published on 2021-04-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

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

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