CVE-2021-39180

HIGH
Published Aug 31, 20214y ago · Modified Jun 17, 20262w ago
8.8 CVSS 3.1
High
Find Similar
Published Aug 31, 2021 4y ago
Last Modified Jun 17, 2026 2w ago

Description

OpenOLAT is a web-based learning management system (LMS). A path traversal vulnerability exists in versions prior to 15.3.18, 15.5.3, and 16.0.0. Using a specially prepared ZIP file, it is possible to overwrite any file that is writable by the application server user (e.g. the tomcat user). Depending on the configuration this can be limited to files of the OpenOlat user data directory, however, if not properly set up, the attack could also be used to overwrite application server config files, java code or even operating system files. The attack could be used to corrupt or modify any OpenOlat file such as course structures, config files or temporary test data. Those attack would require in-depth knowledge of the installation and thus more theoretical. If the app server configuration allows the execution of jsp files and the path to the context is known, it is also possible to execute java code. If the app server runs with the same user that is used to deploy the OpenOlat code or has write permissions on the OpenOlat code files and the path to the context is know, code injection is possible. The attack requires an OpenOlat user account to upload a ZIP file and trigger the unzip method. It can not be exploited by unregistered users. The problem is fixed in versions 15.3.18, 15.5.3 and 16.0.0. There are no known workarounds aside from upgrading.

CVSS Details

Base Score
8.8
Exploitability
2.8
Impact
5.9
Vector string
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack Vector Network
Attack Complexity Low
Privileges Required Low
User Interaction None
Scope Unchanged
Confidentiality High
Integrity High
Availability High

Threat Intelligence

No active exploitation signals — not in CISA KEV and no EPSS score yet.

Exploit & Patch Status
No Known Exploit
Patch Available

Weaknesses 1

CWE-22 Path Traversal Resource Mgmt

Affected Products 2

VendorProductVersionRange
frentixopenolat* <15.3.18
frentixopenolat*≥15.4.0  –  <15.5.3

References 5

  • github.com https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/2cf73c972e23ccd69cc1e103e43c2c8253571d3e
    PatchThird Party Advisory
  • github.com https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/5668a41ab3f1753102a89757be013487544279d5
    PatchThird Party Advisory
  • github.com https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/699490be8e931af0ef1f135c55384db1f4232637
    PatchThird Party Advisory
  • github.com https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/security/advisories/GHSA-x95v-2pgj-9x8j
    Third Party Advisory
  • jira.openolat.org https://jira.openolat.org/browse/OO-5549
    Permissions RequiredVendor Advisory

Remediation

  • github.com https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/2cf73c972e23ccd69cc1e103e43c2c8253571d3e
    PatchThird Party Advisory
  • github.com https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/5668a41ab3f1753102a89757be013487544279d5
    PatchThird Party Advisory
  • github.com https://github.com/OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT/commit/699490be8e931af0ef1f135c55384db1f4232637
    PatchThird Party Advisory