CVE-2021-28973Public exploitNetwork attack vector

Authenticated file disclosure via XML Import XXE

Published Apr 13, 2021 · Updated Aug 3, 2024

XML external entity injection in Perforce Helix ALM 2020.3.1 Build 22 allows remote authenticated users to read server files via Administration XML Import. The XML Import validator parses attacker-supplied XML with external entities enabled, resolving references such as C:\Windows\win.ini and returning the contents in an error message. Exploitation requires credentials for the Administration console and permits confidential file disclosure without demonstrated integrity or availability impact.

CVSS severity4.9
Medium
EPSS probability0.89%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

XML external entity injection in Perforce Helix ALM 2020.3.1 Build 22 allows remote authenticated users to read server files via Administration XML Import. The XML Import validator parses attacker-supplied XML with external entities enabled, resolving references such as C:\Windows\win.ini and returning the contents in an error message. Exploitation requires credentials for the Administration console and permits confidential file disclosure without demonstrated integrity or availability impact.

The record

CVE
CVE-2021-28973
Published
Apr 13, 2021
Updated
Aug 3, 2024
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
CWE-611, T1005
Attack vector
network
Privileges
authenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Apr 13, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 3, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Affected buildAffected product and version details are unavailable.

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesauthenticated

What is affected?

Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.

Published CVSS scores

4.0NVDAV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:P/I:N/A:N
4.9NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitPublished

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-611Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
T1005Data from Local System

Public exploit references

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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