How severe is CVE-2021-29740?

CVE-2021-29740 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-2021-29740 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-29740?

CVE-2021-29740 affects Ibm Spectrum Scale. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-29740?

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-2021-29740 published?

CVE-2021-29740 was published on 2021-06-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-29740

CVE-2021-29740 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Spectrum Scale 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-134.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (25th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-134
Affected product: Ibm Spectrum Scale
Published: 2021-06-01
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

IBM Spectrum Scale 5.0.0 through 5.0.5.6 and 5.1.0 through 5.1.0.3 system core component is affected by a format string security vulnerability. An attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of process memory, potentially escalating their system privileges and taking control over the entire system with root access. IBM X-Force ID: 201474.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-29740?: IBM Spectrum Scale 5.0.0 through 5.0.5.6 and 5.1.0 through 5.1.0.3 system core component is affected by a format string security vulnerability. An attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of process memory, potentially escalating their system privileges and taking control over the entire system with root access. IBM X-Force ID: 201474.
How severe is CVE-2021-29740?: CVE-2021-29740 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-2021-29740 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-29740?: CVE-2021-29740 affects Ibm Spectrum Scale. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-29740?: 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-2021-29740 published?: CVE-2021-29740 was published on 2021-06-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:ibm:spectrum_scale:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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Other CWE-134 vulnerabilities

CVE-2012-1851 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Format string vulnerability in the Print Spooler service in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2,…
CVE-2012-0242 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Format string vulnerability in Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess before 7.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary…
CVE-2011-2475 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Format string vulnerability in ECTrace.dll in the iMailGateway service in the Internet Mail Gateway in OneBridge Server…
CVE-2011-1568 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Format string vulnerability in the logText function in shmemmgr9.dll in IGSSdataServer.exe 9.00.00.11074, and…
CVE-2010-4235 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Format string vulnerability in RealNetworks Helix Server 12.x, 13.x, and 14.x before 14.2, and Helix Mobile Server…
CVE-2011-0270 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Format string vulnerability in nnmRptConfig.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allows…

Browse all CWE-134 vulnerabilities →