How severe is CVE-2021-23019?

CVE-2021-23019 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-23019 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (15th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-23019?

CVE-2021-23019 affects F5 Nginx Controller. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-23019?

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-2021-23019 published?

CVE-2021-23019 was published on 2021-06-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-23019

CVE-2021-23019 is a high-severity vulnerability in F5 Nginx Controller with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-522.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (15th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-522
Affected product: F5 Nginx Controller
Published: 2021-06-01
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The NGINX Controller 2.0.0 thru 2.9.0 and 3.x before 3.15.0 Administrator password may be exposed in the systemd.txt file that is included in the NGINX support package.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-23019?: The NGINX Controller 2.0.0 thru 2.9.0 and 3.x before 3.15.0 Administrator password may be exposed in the systemd.txt file that is included in the NGINX support package.
How severe is CVE-2021-23019?: CVE-2021-23019 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-23019 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (15th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-23019?: CVE-2021-23019 affects F5 Nginx Controller. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-23019?: 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-2021-23019 published?: CVE-2021-23019 was published on 2021-06-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K04884013

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:f5:nginx_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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