HIGH
CVE-2021-45444
NVD-CWE-noinfoPublished: February 14, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
7.8
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
In zsh before 5.8.1, an attacker can achieve code execution if they control a command output inside the prompt, as demonstrated by a %F argument. This occurs because of recursive PROMPT_SUBST expansion.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-45444 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
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 complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.8.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (24)
→
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/May/33Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
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http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/May/35Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/May/38Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2022/02/msg00020.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213255Third Party Advisory
→
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213256Third Party Advisory
→
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213257Third Party Advisory
→
https://vuln.ryotak.me/advisories/63Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.debian.org/security/2022/dsa-5078Third Party Advisory
→
https://zsh.sourceforge.io/releases.htmlRelease Notes · Third Party Advisory
→
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/May/33Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/May/35Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/May/38Mailing List · Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2021-45444
CVSS Score7.8 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessNVD-CWE-noinfo
CISA KEVNo
Affected4 vendor(s)
PublishedFeb 14, 2022
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-noinfo)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-45444 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.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.