How severe is CVE-2021-40397?

CVE-2021-40397 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-2021-40397 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (55th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-40397?

CVE-2021-40397 affects Advantech Wise-paas/ota. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40397?

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-2021-40397 published?

CVE-2021-40397 was published on 2022-01-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-40397

CVE-2021-40397 is a high-severity vulnerability in Advantech Wise-paas/ota 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-276.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (55th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-276
Affected product: Advantech Wise-paas/ota
Published: 2022-01-28
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the installation of Advantech WISE-PaaS/OTA Server 3.0.9. A specially-crafted file can be replaced in the system to escalate privileges to NT SYSTEM authority. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-40397?: A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the installation of Advantech WISE-PaaS/OTA Server 3.0.9. A specially-crafted file can be replaced in the system to escalate privileges to NT SYSTEM authority. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.
How severe is CVE-2021-40397?: CVE-2021-40397 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-2021-40397 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (55th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-40397?: CVE-2021-40397 affects Advantech Wise-paas/ota. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40397?: 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-2021-40397 published?: CVE-2021-40397 was published on 2022-01-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2021-1409

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:advantech:wise-paas\/ota:3.0.9:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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