CVE-2021-44521: apache software foundation apache cassandra Code Injection
Vulnerability summary
CVE-2021-44521 is a critical (CVSS 9.1) Code Injection vulnerability in apache software foundation apache cassandra. EPSS estimates a 57.53% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded.
Advisory lineage
Upstream 0 · Downstream 0 · Related 1Timeline
- 11-02-2022PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
- 04-08-2024Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.
Description
When running Apache Cassandra with the following configuration: enable_user_defined_functions: true enable_scripted_user_defined_functions: true enable_user_defined_functions_threads: false it is possible for an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the host. The attacker would need to have enough permissions to create user defined functions in the cluster to be able to exploit this. Note that this configuration is documented as unsafe, and will continue to be considered unsafe after this CVE.
CVSS metrics
5 scores · 4 sources · 2 versions- OSV · WolfiEcosystem advisory · calculated9.1CriticalCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
- OSV · ChainguardEcosystem advisory · calculated9.1CriticalCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
- OSV · MavenEcosystem advisory · calculated9.1CriticalCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS trend
Probability
57.53%
Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Percentile
99%
Versus all other CVEs
30-day change
+2.52 pp
From 55.01% on 18-09-2026
Known exploited
Compare KEV catalogsNot in any of the 3 tracked catalogs.
Public exploits
1 foundExploit Reference (jfrog.com)
Maturity: unknown
Weaknesses
CWE · root cause- CWE-94Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment.
- CWE-732Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical ResourceThe product specifies permissions for a security-critical resource in a way that allows that resource to be read or modified by unintended actors.
Affected systems
Apache1 product
- cassandra≥ 3.0.0, < 3.0.26 | ≥ 3.11.0, < 3.11.12 | ≥ 4.0.0, < 4.0.2
Apache software foundation1 product
- apache cassandra≥ 3.0.0, < unspecified | ≥ unspecified, < 3.0.26 | ≥ 3.1, < unspecified | ≥ unspecified, < 3.11.12 | ≥ 4.0.0, < unspecified | ≥ unspecified, < 4.0.2
Chainguard1 product
- druidAll versions (No fix recorded) | < 35.0.1-r1
Org.apache.cassandra1 product
- cassandra-all< 3.0.26 | ≥ 3.11.0, < 3.11.12 | ≥ 4.0.0, < 4.0.2
Wolfi1 product
- druidAll versions (No fix recorded) | < 35.0.1-r1
5 vendors · 5 products
References
9 links- lists.apache.org/thread/y4nb9s4co34j8hdfmrshyl09lokm7356X Refsource MISCREPORTWEBIssue TrackingMailing ListVendor Advisory
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/02/11/4Mailing ListX Refsource MLISTAdvisoryWEBThird Party Advisory
- github.com/apache/cassandraPACKAGE