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CVE Record

CVE-2021-20563: IBM Sterling File Gateway 2.2.0.0 through 6.1.0.3 could allow a remote authenciated user to obtain sensitiv...

IBM Sterling File Gateway 2.2.0.0 through 6.1.0.3 could allow a remote authenciated user to obtain sensitive information. By sending a specially crafted request, the user could disclose a valid filepath on the server which could be used in further attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 199234.

MediumCVSS 4.3Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

IBM Sterling File Gateway versions 2.2.0.0 through 6.1.0.3 can leak sensitive server path information to a remote authenticated user. This is not described as system takeover, but exposed file paths can help an attacker plan follow-on attacks against the environment.

Executive priority

Treat as a medium-priority remediation item. Prioritize faster if the service is externally or partner-facing, handles sensitive transfers, or has many low-privilege users. Do not treat the filepath disclosure alone as confirmed compromise.

Technical view

The CVE describes authenticated network information disclosure via a specially crafted request. The disclosed data is a valid filepath on the server. CVSS 3.0 score is 4.3, with low privileges required, low confidentiality impact, and no listed integrity or availability impact.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely where IBM Sterling File Gateway in the affected version range is reachable by partners, customers, or broad internal user groups. Because authentication is required, account governance and access scope materially affect risk.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. IBM X-Force ID 199234 is referenced. The main concern is reconnaissance value: valid server paths may support later attacks if combined with other weaknesses.

Researcher notes

No CWE is provided in the source bundle. The CVSS vector is AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N. Evidence supports authenticated information disclosure only; do not infer unauthenticated access, code execution, or active exploitation.

Mitigation direction

  • Identify all IBM Sterling File Gateway deployments and versions.
  • Check IBM advisory 6491645 for vendor remediation or fixed levels.
  • Apply IBM-provided updates or mitigations where applicable.
  • Restrict access to trusted users, networks, and partner paths.
  • Review user privileges and remove unnecessary accounts.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm whether deployed versions fall between 2.2.0.0 and 6.1.0.3.
  • Record internet-facing, partner-facing, and internal-only exposure separately.
  • Review IBM X-Force ID 199234 and the IBM support advisory.
  • Check logs for unusual authenticated requests around affected services.
  • Verify remediation status after applying vendor guidance.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
4

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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CVE-2021-20563 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Medium
CVSS
4.3 (3.0)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.0/PR:L/AV:N/S:U/I:N/C:L/UI:N/AC:L/A:N/RC:C/RL:O/E:U

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
4.3CVSS 3.0MediumCVSS:3.0/PR:L/AV:N/S:U/I:N/C:L/UI:N/AC:L/A:N/RC:C/RL:O/E:U2.81.4Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.0 score

4.3Medium
CVSS 3.0 vector shape for CVE-2021-20563Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.0/PR:L/AV:N/S:U/I:N/C:L/UI:N/AC:L/A:N/RC:C/RL:O/E:U

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
IBMSterling File Gateway2.2.0.0, 6.1.0.3Listed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.