Is CVE-2021-22205 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2021-22205 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2021-22205 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2021-22205 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-22205?

CVE-2021-22205 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-22205

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2021-22205

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:94.47%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:100.0th

Official Description

GitHub Community and Enterprise Editions that utilize the ability to upload images through GitLab Workhorse are vulnerable to remote code execution. Workhorse passes image file extensions through ExifTool, which improperly validates the image files.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

GitLab Community and Enterprise Editions Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Added to KEV: 2021-11-03Federal patch deadline: 2021-11-17⚠ USED IN RANSOMWARE CAMPAIGNS

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

This vulnerability in GitHub Community and Enterprise Editions, specifically when uploading images via GitLab Workhorse, allows for remote code execution. The flaw is due to improper validation of image files by ExifTool. The very high EPSS score indicates a high likelihood of exploitation, making this a critical vulnerability.

This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its active exploitation. The nature of the vulnerability suggests it is remotely exploitable through crafted image uploads.

Recommended Action

Update GitHub Community and Enterprise Editions to patched versions. Ensure that GitLab Workhorse and ExifTool are also updated and properly configured.

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-2021-22205 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-2021-22205 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.