How severe is CVE-2021-20482?

CVE-2021-20482 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability low.

Is CVE-2021-20482 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (69th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-20482?

CVE-2021-20482 primarily affects Ibm Cloud Pak For Automation. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20482?

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-2021-20482 published?

CVE-2021-20482 was published on 2021-03-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-20482

CVE-2021-20482 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Cloud Pak For Automation with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. 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 7.1)
CVSS v2: 5.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (69th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-611
Affected product: Ibm Cloud Pak For Automation
Published: 2021-03-30
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

IBM Cloud Pak for Automation 20.0.2 and 20.0.3 IF002 are vulnerable to an 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: 197504.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-20482?: IBM Cloud Pak for Automation 20.0.2 and 20.0.3 IF002 are vulnerable to an 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: 197504.
How severe is CVE-2021-20482?: CVE-2021-20482 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability low.
Is CVE-2021-20482 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (69th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-20482?: CVE-2021-20482 primarily affects Ibm Cloud Pak For Automation. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-20482?: 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-2021-20482 published?: CVE-2021-20482 was published on 2021-03-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:ibm:cloud_pak_for_automation:20.0.2:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:cloud_pak_for_automation:20.0.3:interim_fix002:*:*:*:*:*:*

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