CVE-2021-41242

What it is

OpenOlat is a web-basedlearning management system. A path traversal vulnerability exists in OpenOlat prior to versions 15.5.12 and 16.0.5. By providing a filename that contains a relative path as a parameter in some REST methods, it is possible to create directory structures and write files anywhere on the target system. The attack could be used to write files anywhere in the web root folder or outside, depending on the configuration of the system and the properly configured permission of the application server user. The attack requires an OpenOlat user account, an enabled REST API and the rights on a business object to call the vulnerable REST calls. The problem is fixed in version 15.5.12 and 16.0.5. There is a workaround available. The vulnerability requires the REST module to be enabled. Disabling the REST module or limiting the REST module via some firewall or web-server access rules to be accessed only be trusted systems will mitigate the risk.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-12-10 23:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:08 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.1 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-12-10 23:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:08 UTC

Exploit probability

1.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-23

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Frentix Openolat < 15.5.12
• Frentix Openolat < 16.0.5

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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