How severe is CVE-2021-40857?

CVE-2021-40857 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-40857 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (79th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-40857?

CVE-2021-40857 primarily affects Auerswald Compact 5500r Ip Firmware. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40857?

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-2021-40857 published?

CVE-2021-40857 was published on 2021-12-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-40857

CVE-2021-40857 is a high-severity vulnerability in Auerswald Compact 5500r Ip Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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 8.8)
CVSS v2: 6.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (79th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-522
Affected product: Auerswald Compact 5500r Ip Firmware
Published: 2021-12-13
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Auerswald COMpact 5500R devices before 8.2B allow Privilege Escalation via the passwd=1 substring.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-40857?: Auerswald COMpact 5500R devices before 8.2B allow Privilege Escalation via the passwd=1 substring.
How severe is CVE-2021-40857?: CVE-2021-40857 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-40857 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (79th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-40857?: CVE-2021-40857 primarily affects Auerswald Compact 5500r Ip Firmware. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40857?: 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-2021-40857 published?: CVE-2021-40857 was published on 2021-12-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (10)

cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:compact_5500r_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:compact_5200r_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:compact_5000r_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:compact_4000_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:commander_6000r_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:commander_6000rx_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:commander_business\(19\"\)_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:commander_basic.2\(19\"\)_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:compact_5010_voip_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:auerswald:compact_5020_voip_ip_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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