How severe is CVE-2021-42260?

CVE-2021-42260 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-2021-42260 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-42260?

CVE-2021-42260 primarily affects Tinyxml Project Tinyxml. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-42260?

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-2021-42260 published?

CVE-2021-42260 was published on 2021-10-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-42260

CVE-2021-42260 is a high-severity vulnerability in Tinyxml Project Tinyxml 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-835.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (86th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-835
Affected product: Tinyxml Project Tinyxml
Published: 2021-10-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

TinyXML through 2.6.2 has an infinite loop in TiXmlParsingData::Stamp in tinyxmlparser.cpp via the TIXML_UTF_LEAD_0 case. It can be triggered by a crafted XML message and leads to a denial of service.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-42260?: TinyXML through 2.6.2 has an infinite loop in TiXmlParsingData::Stamp in tinyxmlparser.cpp via the TIXML_UTF_LEAD_0 case. It can be triggered by a crafted XML message and leads to a denial of service.
How severe is CVE-2021-42260?: CVE-2021-42260 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-2021-42260 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-42260?: CVE-2021-42260 primarily affects Tinyxml Project Tinyxml. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-42260?: 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-2021-42260 published?: CVE-2021-42260 was published on 2021-10-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:a:tinyxml_project:tinyxml:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:tinyxml_project:tinyxml:2.3.0:beta:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:tinyxml_project:tinyxml:2.3.1:beta:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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