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CVE Record

CVE-2021-38268: The Dynamic Data Mapping module in Liferay Portal 7.0.0 through 7.3.6, and Liferay DXP 7.0 before fix pack...

The Dynamic Data Mapping module in Liferay Portal 7.0.0 through 7.3.6, and Liferay DXP 7.0 before fix pack 101, 7.1 before fix pack 21, 7.2 before fix pack 10 and 7.3 before fix pack 2 incorrectly sets default permissions for site members, which allows remote authenticated users with the site member role to add and duplicate forms, via the UI or the API.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This issue lets authenticated Liferay site members create or duplicate forms when default permissions should not allow it. It is not described as remote code execution or unauthenticated access. The business concern is unauthorized form creation, content governance failure, and possible misuse of form workflows in affected Liferay deployments.

Executive priority

Treat this as a governance and authorization issue, not an emergency takeover vulnerability based on available evidence. Prioritize internet-facing or broadly accessible Liferay sites, especially where many users hold site member permissions.

Technical view

CVE-2021-38268 affects Liferay Portal 7.0.0 through 7.3.6 and specified Liferay DXP releases before named fix packs. The Dynamic Data Mapping module incorrectly sets default permissions for site members, allowing remote authenticated users with the site member role to add and duplicate forms through the UI or API.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to organizations running affected Liferay Portal or DXP versions where untrusted or broad populations have the site member role. Public-facing portals with many authenticated users should prioritize validation more than tightly administered internal deployments.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show CISA KEV listing, active exploitation, public exploit code, or unauthenticated exploitation. The described abuse requires authentication and the site member role. Attackers would use normal UI or API functionality beyond intended authorization.

Researcher notes

Evidence is narrow but consistent: the vulnerability is a default permission flaw in Dynamic Data Mapping. No CVSS, CWE, exploit maturity, or detailed patch notes were provided in the bundle. Avoid inferring data theft or code execution without additional vendor evidence.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade Liferay Portal to an unaffected release beyond 7.3.6 where applicable.
  • Apply Liferay DXP fix pack 101, 21, 10, or 2 for versions 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, or 7.3 respectively.
  • Review Liferay’s advisory for exact product-specific remediation guidance.
  • Restrict site membership to trusted users until remediation is confirmed.
  • Review and harden form-related permissions for site member roles.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Liferay Portal and DXP versions across all environments.
  • Confirm whether Dynamic Data Mapping or Forms functionality is enabled.
  • Check whether site members can add or duplicate forms unexpectedly.
  • Review site member role assignments for broad or untrusted user groups.
  • Verify applied fix pack levels against Liferay’s affected-version statement.
  • Audit recent form creation and duplication activity for unauthorized changes.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
3

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

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
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.

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

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

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ADP provider summaries

CVECVE Program Container

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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