CVE-2021-22137

What it is

In Elasticsearch versions before 7.11.2 and 6.8.15 a document disclosure flaw was found when Document or Field Level Security is used. Search queries do not properly preserve security permissions when executing certain cross-cluster search queries. This could result in the search disclosing the existence of documents the attacker should not be able to view. This could result in an attacker gaining additional insight into potentially sensitive indices.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

1.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2021-05-13 18:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:36 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.3 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-05-13 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:36 UTC

Exploit probability

1.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-200 · Information exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Elastic Elasticsearch < 6.8.15
• Elastic Elasticsearch < 7.11.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

None

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2021-22137.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-22137. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge