CVE-2021-44521

What it is

When running Apache Cassandra with the following configuration: enable_user_defined_functions: true enable_scripted_user_defined_functions: true enable_user_defined_functions_threads: false it is possible for an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the host. The attacker would need to have enough permissions to create user defined functions in the cluster to be able to exploit this. Note that this configuration is documented as unsafe, and will continue to be considered unsafe after this CVE.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

57.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-12-02 00:00 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2022-02-11 13:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 2026-06-17 04:12 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 57.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.1 CRITICAL (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.
• It meets the bar for Drop everything: critical, and exploited or very likely to be.

Details

Published

2022-02-11 13:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:12 UTC

Exploit probability

57.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-94 · Code injection

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Apache Cassandra < 3.0.26
• Apache Cassandra < 3.11.12
• Apache Cassandra < 4.0.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2021-44521.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-44521. 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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