CVE-2021-29641Public exploitNetwork attack vector

Authenticated code execution via unrestricted PHP upload

Published Apr 7, 2021 · Updated Aug 3, 2024

Unrestricted file upload in Directus 8 before 8.8.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code. The upload workflow accepts .php files in /uploads/_/originals and permits a user-controlled Filename Disk path plus an uploaded .htaccess file to re-enable PHP execution. Exploitation requires file-upload permission, the Apache-based Docker image, and the local-storage driver; successful execution exposes the host and Directus secrets.

CVSS severity8.8
High
EPSS probability4.87%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Unrestricted file upload in Directus 8 before 8.8.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code. The upload workflow accepts .php files in /uploads/_/originals and permits a user-controlled Filename Disk path plus an uploaded .htaccess file to re-enable PHP execution. Exploitation requires file-upload permission, the Apache-based Docker image, and the local-storage driver; successful execution exposes the host and Directus secrets.

The record

CVE
CVE-2021-29641
Published
Apr 7, 2021
Updated
Aug 3, 2024
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
CWE-434, T1190
Attack vector
network
Privileges
authenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Apr 7, 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

8.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
6.5NIST NVDAV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:P/I:P/A:P

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-434Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application

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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