CVE-2021-37712

High

fixedPATCH AVAILABLENot Available

Security vulnerability in tar

Description

Arbitrary File Creation/Overwrite via insufficient symlink protection due to directory cache poisoning using symbolic links

Impact Assessment

This high-severity vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access, execute arbitrary code, or compromise data integrity. Prompt remediation is strongly recommended.

CVSS v3.1 Score

7.5

EPSS — Exploit Prediction

1.86%

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days · more likely than 78.7% of all CVEs.

Quick Facts

PublishedAug 31, 2021

Last ModifiedJul 8, 2026

Discovered ByIndependent Security Researcher

Statusfixed

Weakness Types

CWE-22

CWE-59

Attack Metrics

CVSS v3.1 Metrics Breakdown

attack Vector

attack Complexity

privileges Required

user Interaction

scope

Unchanged

confidentiality Impact

High

integrity Impact

High

availability Impact

High

Remediation Guide

How to Fix This Vulnerability

Remediation Steps

1Upgrade the package to version 6.1.9 or later
2Review and audit affected systems for potential exploitation
3Implement additional security controls if immediate patching is not possible
4Monitor for suspicious activity related to this vulnerability

Mitigation Strategies

Immediate Patching

High

Apply security patches to version 6.1.9 immediately

Network Segmentation

High

Isolate affected systems from untrusted networks until patching is complete

Monitoring and Detection

Medium

Implement enhanced monitoring for exploitation attempts and unusual behavior

Event History

Vulnerability Timeline

Vulnerability published

2021-08-31T16:05:17Z

published

Patches released: 6.1.9

2021-08-31T16:05:17Z

patched

▪ Common questions

How severe is CVE-2021-37712?

CVE-2021-37712 is rated HIGH with a CVSS score of 7.5.

How do I fix CVE-2021-37712?

Upgrade the affected package to 6.1.9.

What kind of weakness is CVE-2021-37712?

CVE-2021-37712 is classified as CWE-22 — Security vulnerability in tar.

Back to All Vulnerabilities

CVE-2021-37712

High

fixedPATCH AVAILABLENot Available

Security vulnerability in tar

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Description

Arbitrary File Creation/Overwrite via insufficient symlink protection due to directory cache poisoning using symbolic links

Impact Assessment

This high-severity vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access, execute arbitrary code, or compromise data integrity. Prompt remediation is strongly recommended.

CVSS v3.1 Score

7.5

EPSS — Exploit Prediction

1.86%

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days · more likely than 78.7% of all CVEs.

Quick Facts

PublishedAug 31, 2021

Last ModifiedJul 8, 2026

Discovered ByIndependent Security Researcher

Statusfixed

Weakness Types

CWE-22

CWE-59

Attack Metrics

CVSS v3.1 Metrics Breakdown

attack Vector

attack Complexity

privileges Required

user Interaction

scope

Unchanged

confidentiality Impact

High

integrity Impact

High

availability Impact

High

Remediation Guide

How to Fix This Vulnerability

Remediation Steps

1Upgrade the package to version 6.1.9 or later
2Review and audit affected systems for potential exploitation
3Implement additional security controls if immediate patching is not possible
4Monitor for suspicious activity related to this vulnerability

Mitigation Strategies

Immediate Patching

High

Apply security patches to version 6.1.9 immediately

Network Segmentation

High

Isolate affected systems from untrusted networks until patching is complete

Monitoring and Detection

Medium

Implement enhanced monitoring for exploitation attempts and unusual behavior

Event History

Vulnerability Timeline

Vulnerability published

2021-08-31T16:05:17Z

published

Patches released: 6.1.9

2021-08-31T16:05:17Z

patched

▪ Common questions

How severe is CVE-2021-37712?

CVE-2021-37712 is rated HIGH with a CVSS score of 7.5.

How do I fix CVE-2021-37712?

Upgrade the affected package to 6.1.9.

What kind of weakness is CVE-2021-37712?

CVE-2021-37712 is classified as CWE-22 — Security vulnerability in tar.

Back to All Vulnerabilities