HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-23336
MEDIUM

CVE-2021-23336

CWE-444Published: February 15, 2021· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

5.9
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The package python/cpython from 0 and before 3.6.13, from 3.7.0 and before 3.7.10, from 3.8.0 and before 3.8.8, from 3.9.0 and before 3.9.2 are vulnerable to Web Cache Poisoning via urllib.parse.parse_qsl and urllib.parse.parse_qs by using a vector called parameter cloaking. When the attacker can separate query parameters using a semicolon (;), they can cause a difference in the interpretation of the request between the proxy (running with default configuration) and the server. This can result in malicious requests being cached as completely safe ones, as the proxy would usually not see the semicolon as a separator, and therefore would not include it in a cache key of an unkeyed parameter.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-23336 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.

A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 5.9.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

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

Affected Vendors & Products

Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
djangoproject1 product(s)
django
Fedora1 product(s)
fedora
netapp4 product(s)
cloud backupinventory collect toolontap select deploy administration utilitysnapcenter
Oracle4 product(s)
communications offline mediation controllercommunications pricing design centerenterprise manager ops centerzfs storage appliance
Python1 product(s)
python
Source: NVD CPE · 14 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (74)

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/02/19/4Mailing List · Patch · Third Party Advisory

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2021-23336
CVSS Score5.9 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-444
CISA KEVNo
Affected6 vendor(s)
PublishedFeb 15, 2021

Related CVEs (CWE-444)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2021-23336 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.