How severe is CVE-2021-28789?

CVE-2021-28789 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-28789 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (75th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-28789?

CVE-2021-28789 affects Apple-swift-format Project Apple-swift-format. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-28789?

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-2021-28789 published?

CVE-2021-28789 was published on 2021-03-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-28789

CVE-2021-28789 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple-swift-format Project Apple-swift-format 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.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (75th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Apple-swift-format Project Apple-swift-format
Published: 2021-03-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The unofficial apple/swift-format extension before 1.1.2 for Visual Studio Code allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by constructing a malicious workspace with a crafted apple-swift-format.path configuration value that triggers execution upon opening the workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-28789?: The unofficial apple/swift-format extension before 1.1.2 for Visual Studio Code allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by constructing a malicious workspace with a crafted apple-swift-format.path configuration value that triggers execution upon opening the workspace.
How severe is CVE-2021-28789?: CVE-2021-28789 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-28789 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (75th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-28789?: CVE-2021-28789 affects Apple-swift-format Project Apple-swift-format. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-28789?: 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-2021-28789 published?: CVE-2021-28789 was published on 2021-03-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:apple-swift-format_project:apple-swift-format:*:*:*:*:*:visual_studio:*:*