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Vulnerability record · CVE-2021-32682 · published 14 June 2021

CVE-2021-32682: elFinder PHP connector path traversal, command injection and SSRF

Std42 · Elfinder

Several vulnerabilities in elFinder 2.1.58 affect the PHP connector, combining path traversal, OS command injection and server-side request forgery. They allow arbitrary code and command execution on the host even with minimal configuration, and were patched in 2.1.59.

9.8 CVSS 3.1 Critical EPSS 70% · top 0.6% CWE-22 · Path traversalCWE-78 · OS command injection
9.8CVSS 3.1 base score, v2 7.5
70%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
1Affected product versions listed by NVD
8References, 4 tagged exploit
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

elFinder is an open-source file manager for web, written in JavaScript using jQuery UI. Several vulnerabilities affect elFinder 2.1.58. These vulnerabilities can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code and commands on the server hosting the elFinder PHP connector, even with minimal configuration. The issues were patched in version 2.1.59. As a workaround, ensure the connector is not exposed without authentication.

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 19 September 2026. Confidence: high.

critical priorityCVSS 9.8 with no authentication or interaction required and public exploit references make this a high-urgency remote code execution risk.

What it is

Several vulnerabilities in elFinder 2.1.58 affect the PHP connector, combining path traversal, OS command injection and server-side request forgery. They allow arbitrary code and command execution on the host even with minimal configuration, and were patched in 2.1.59.

Impact

An attacker can execute arbitrary code and operating system commands on the server running the elFinder PHP connector, leading to full compromise of that host.

Attack surface

Reached over the network through the exposed elFinder PHP connector; the CVSS vector indicates no authentication and no user interaction are required.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV, but EPSS is very high (0.699, 99.3rd percentile) and multiple references are tagged Exploit, indicating public exploit material exists.

What to do

  • Upgrade elFinder to version 2.1.59 or later, which contains the patch.
  • If immediate upgrade is not possible, ensure the connector is not exposed without authentication as the advisory workaround states.
  • Restrict network access to the elFinder connector to trusted users and networks.
  • Run the PHP connector with least privilege and disable unnecessary archive or command-execution features where possible.

Detection

  • Monitor web server and PHP logs for requests to elFinder connector endpoints containing traversal sequences or archive/command parameters.
  • Alert on unexpected child processes spawned by the web server or PHP process.
  • Watch for outbound connections from the web server to unusual internal or external hosts that could indicate SSRF.
  • Audit file system changes in elFinder-managed directories for unexpected writes or uploads.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.

Affected products

1 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164173/elFinder-Archive-Command-Injection.html ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://blog.sonarsource.com/elfinder-case-study-of-web-file-manager-vulnerabilities/ ExploitThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/Studio-42/elFinder/commit/a106c350b7dfe666a81d6b576816db9fe0899b17 PatchThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/Studio-42/elFinder/security/advisories/GHSA-wph3-44rj-92pr Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164173/elFinder-Archive-Command-Injection.html ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://blog.sonarsource.com/elfinder-case-study-of-web-file-manager-vulnerabilities/ ExploitThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/Studio-42/elFinder/commit/a106c350b7dfe666a81d6b576816db9fe0899b17 PatchThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/Studio-42/elFinder/security/advisories/GHSA-wph3-44rj-92pr Third Party Advisory

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Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2021-32682), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.