HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-22926
HIGH

CVE-2021-22926

CWE-840Published: August 5, 2021· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

7.5
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

libcurl-using applications can ask for a specific client certificate to be used in a transfer. This is done with the `CURLOPT_SSLCERT` option (`--cert` with the command line tool).When libcurl is built to use the macOS native TLS library Secure Transport, an application can ask for the client certificate by name or with a file name - using the same option. If the name exists as a file, it will be used instead of by name.If the appliction runs with a current working directory that is writable by other users (like `/tmp`), a malicious user can create a file name with the same name as the app wants to use by name, and thereby trick the application to use the file based cert instead of the one referred to by name making libcurl send the wrong client certificate in the TLS connection handshake.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-22926 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

haxx1 product(s)
curl
netapp21 product(s)
active iq unified managerclustered data ontaphci management nodeoncommand insightoncommand workflow automationsnapcentersolidfireh300s firmwareh300sh300e firmwareh300eh500e firmware+9
Oracle2 product(s)
mysql serverpeoplesoft enterprise peopletools
siemens1 product(s)
sinec infrastructure network services
splunk1 product(s)
universal forwarder
Source: NVD CPE · 29 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

All References (22)

https://hackerone.com/reports/1234760Exploit · Third Party Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/1234760Exploit · Third Party Advisory

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2021-22926
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-840
CISA KEVNo
Affected5 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 5, 2021

Related CVEs (CWE-840)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2021-22926 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.