CVE-2021-39184

What it is

Electron is a framework for writing cross-platform desktop applications using JavaScript, HTML and CSS. A vulnerability in versions prior to 11.5.0, 12.1.0, and 13.3.0 allows a sandboxed renderer to request a "thumbnail" image of an arbitrary file on the user's system. The thumbnail can potentially include significant parts of the original file, including textual data in many cases. Versions 15.0.0-alpha.10, 14.0.0, 13.3.0, 12.1.0, and 11.5.0 all contain a fix for the vulnerability. Two workarounds aside from upgrading are available. One may make the vulnerability significantly more difficult for an attacker to exploit by enabling `contextIsolation` in one's app. One may also disable the functionality of the `createThumbnailFromPath` API if one does not need it.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

1.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-10-12 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:03 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-10-12 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:03 UTC

Exploit probability

1.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-668 · Resource exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Electronjs Electron < 11.5.0
• Electronjs Electron < 12.1.0
• Electronjs Electron < 13.3.0
• Electronjs Electron 14.0.0
• Electronjs Electron 15.0.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.8

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

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-2021-39184.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-39184. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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