How severe is CVE-2021-40872?

CVE-2021-40872 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-40872 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (72nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-40872?

CVE-2021-40872 primarily affects Softing Smartlink Hw-dp. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40872?

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-2021-40872 published?

CVE-2021-40872 was published on 2021-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-40872

CVE-2021-40872 is a high-severity vulnerability in Softing Smartlink Hw-dp with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-843.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (72nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-843
Affected product: Softing Smartlink Hw-dp
Published: 2021-11-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An issue was discovered in Softing Industrial Automation uaToolkit Embedded before 1.40. Remote attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) or login as an anonymous user (bypassing security checks) by sending crafted messages to a OPC/UA server. The server process may crash unexpectedly because of an invalid type cast, and must be restarted.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-40872?: An issue was discovered in Softing Industrial Automation uaToolkit Embedded before 1.40. Remote attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) or login as an anonymous user (bypassing security checks) by sending crafted messages to a OPC/UA server. The server process may crash unexpectedly because of an invalid type cast, and must be restarted.
How severe is CVE-2021-40872?: CVE-2021-40872 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-40872 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (72nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-40872?: CVE-2021-40872 primarily affects Softing Smartlink Hw-dp. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40872?: 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-2021-40872 published?: CVE-2021-40872 was published on 2021-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:softing:smartlink_hw-dp:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:softing:uatoolkit_embedded:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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