CVE-2021-29442

HIGH EXPLOITED NUCLEI

Nacos < 1.4.1 - Unauthenticated Database Manipulation via Derby Endpoint

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

CVE-2021-29442 has been observed exploited in the wild (reported by VulnCheck KEV). EIP tracks 2 public exploits from researchers including VictorShem, nanaao. A Nuclei detection template is also available.

AI-analyzed exploit summary The repository claims to be a PoC for CVE-2021-29442 but contains a YAML file for CVE-2024-4577, indicating a mismatch or potential deception. The README lacks technical details and instead provides FOFA/ZoomEye search queries, which is typical of suspicious repos.

Description

Nacos is a platform designed for dynamic service discovery and configuration and service management. In Nacos before version 1.4.1, the ConfigOpsController lets the user perform management operations like querying the database or even wiping it out. While the /data/remove endpoint is properly protected with the @Secured annotation, the /derby endpoint is not protected and can be openly accessed by unauthenticated users. These endpoints are only valid when using embedded storage (derby DB) so this issue should not affect those installations using external storage (e.g. mysql)

Exploits (2)

nomisec SUSPICIOUS 3 stars
by VictorShem · poc
https://github.com/VictorShem/QVD-2024-26473

The repository claims to be a PoC for CVE-2021-29442 but contains a YAML file for CVE-2024-4577, indicating a mismatch or potential deception. The README lacks technical details and instead provides FOFA/ZoomEye search queries, which is typical of suspicious repos.

Classification
Suspicious 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: XAMPP (PHP CGI)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: XAMPP server with vulnerable PHP CGI configuration
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by nanaao · remote
https://github.com/nanaao/cve-2021-29442-Nacos-Derby-rce-exp

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2021-29442, targeting Nacos' Derby database interface to achieve remote command execution via SQL injection and malicious JAR deployment. The exploit automates payload generation, execution, and interactive command handling.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Nacos ≤2.4.0-BETA
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Exposed Nacos Derby interface · Network access to target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 19, 2026 Full analysis →

Nuclei Templates (1)

Nacos <1.4.1 - Authentication Bypass
HIGHby dwisiswant0

References (3)

Core 3
Core References
Exploit, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://github.com/alibaba/nacos/issues/4463
Exploit, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-36hp-jr8h-556f
Patch, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://github.com/alibaba/nacos/pull/4517

Scores

CVSS v3 8.6
EPSS 0.9365
EPSS Percentile 99.9%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N

Details

VulnCheck KEV 2023-11-19
CWE
CWE-306
Status published
Products (2)
alibaba/nacos < 1.4.1
com.alibaba.nacos/nacos-common 0 - 1.4.1Maven
Published Apr 27, 2021
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026