HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-4437
HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2016-4437

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:94.21%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.9th

Official Description

Apache Shiro contains a vulnerability which may allow remote attackers to execute code or bypass intended access restrictions via an unspecified request parameter when a cipher key has not been configured for the "remember me" feature.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Apache Shiro Code Execution Vulnerability

Apache Shiro contains a vulnerability which may allow remote attackers to execute code or bypass intended access restrictions via an unspecified request parameter when a cipher key has not been configured for the "remember me" feature.

Added to KEV: 2021-11-03Federal patch deadline: 2022-05-03
Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

Apache Shiro has a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute code or bypass access restrictions if the 'remember me' feature's cipher key is not configured. With an EPSS score of 0.94214 and inclusion in the KEV, this flaw is highly likely to be exploited.

This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild. The ability to execute code or bypass access restrictions remotely makes it a significant threat.

Recommended Action

Ensure that a strong, unique cipher key is configured for the 'remember me' feature in Apache Shiro. Apply any available patches or updates for Apache Shiro to mitigate this vulnerability.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-4437 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

CISA has added CVE-2016-4437 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.

Affected Vendors & Products

Mentioned vendors (from description):
Apache
CPE data not yet available in NVD for this CVE.

Exploit & PoC Resources

ACTIVE EXPLOITATIONConfirmed exploitation in the wild
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

All References (1)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2016-4437
SeverityHIGH
CISA KEVYES — Active Exploitation
ExploitIN THE WILD
EPSS (30d)94.21%
PublishedNov 3, 2021

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2016-4437 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
  • !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
  • !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.