Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CMSimple_XH 1.7.4 is reported to allow remote code execution through unsafe file upload handling. A successful attacker could run server-side code on the affected website. The source bundle does not provide a CVSS score or confirm active exploitation, but public exploit-oriented material is referenced.
Executive priority
Prioritize this for any public CMSimple_XH 1.7.4 site. Remote code execution can lead to website takeover, data exposure, and further infrastructure compromise, even though exploitation in the wild is not confirmed here.
Technical view
The CVE description states that CMSimple_XH 1.7.4 can be abused through a File parameter to upload PHP content, resulting in remote code execution. The record references a public GitHub RCE repository and the CMSimple_XH 1.7.5 release. Authentication requirements and exact fixed changes are not fully documented in the bundle.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely for internet-facing CMSimple_XH 1.7.4 installations, especially where file upload functionality is reachable. The bundle lists no CPEs and gives no affected-version range beyond 1.7.4.
Exploitation context
The CVE is not marked KEV, and the bundle contains no evidence of active exploitation. A public exploit repository is referenced, so defenders should treat exploit availability as plausible while avoiding assumptions about real-world exploitation volume.
Researcher notes
Evidence is limited. The CVE record names CMSimple_XH 1.7.4 and an upload-based RCE condition, but lacks CVSS, CWE, CPEs, detailed prerequisites, and explicit patch notes. Treat unauthenticated status as unconfirmed unless validated from the referenced repository or vendor materials.
Mitigation direction
- Identify any CMSimple_XH 1.7.4 deployments.
- Review the CMSimple_XH 1.7.5 release and vendor guidance.
- Upgrade affected installations if 1.7.5 is the vendor-provided fix.
- Restrict public access to upload functionality where feasible.
- Review recent uploaded PHP files and web server changes.
Validation and detection
- Inventory CMSimple_XH versions across web assets.
- Check whether any instance reports version 1.7.4.
- Confirm whether upload paths are publicly reachable.
- Review server logs for suspicious upload activity.
- Verify remediation against vendor release notes.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
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
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
Execution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2021-42645 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Unknown
- CVSS
- Not scored
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
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.
CVSS and timeline data
No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://github.com/Net-hunter121/CMSimple_XH-Unauth-RCECVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://github.com/cmsimple-xh/cmsimple-xh/releases/tag/1.7.5CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
