How severe is CVE-2021-38589?

CVE-2021-38589 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-38589 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-38589?

CVE-2021-38589 affects Cpanel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38589?

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-2021-38589 published?

CVE-2021-38589 was published on 2021-08-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-38589

CVE-2021-38589 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cpanel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. 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 8.1)
CVSS v2: 5.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (54th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Cpanel
Published: 2021-08-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In cPanel before 96.0.13, scripts/fix-cpanel-perl does not properly restrict the overwriting of files (SEC-588).

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-38589?: In cPanel before 96.0.13, scripts/fix-cpanel-perl does not properly restrict the overwriting of files (SEC-588).
How severe is CVE-2021-38589?: CVE-2021-38589 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-38589 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-38589?: CVE-2021-38589 affects Cpanel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-38589?: 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-2021-38589 published?: CVE-2021-38589 was published on 2021-08-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://docs.cpanel.net/changelogs/96-change-log/

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:cpanel:cpanel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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