CVE-2021-21703: PHP-FPM memory access in root process leading to privilege escalation

Published Oct 18, 2021
·
Updated

Fixed bug (PHP-FPM oob R/W in root process leading to privilege escalation) (CVE-2021-21703).

Other sources

In PHP versions 7.3.x up to and including 7.3.31, 7.4.x below 7.4.25 and 8.0.x below 8.0.12, when running PHP FPM SAPI with main FPM daemon process running as root and child worker processes running as lower-privileged users, it is possible for the child processes to access memory shared with the main process and write to it, modifying it in a way that would cause the root process to conduct invalid memory reads and writes, which can be used to escalate privileges from local unprivileged user to the root user.

PHP-FPM memory access in root process leading to privilege escalation

Microsoft

Affected Software

15 affected componentsFixes available
debian/php7.3
7.3.31-1~deb10u17.3.31-1~deb10u5
debian/php7.4
7.4.33-1+deb11u4
PHP PHP<8.0.12
8.0.12
PHP PHP>=7.3.0<=7.3.31
PHP PHP>=7.4.0<7.4.25
PHP PHP>=8.0.0<8.0.12
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
Debian Debian Linux=11.0
Fedoraproject Fedora=33
Fedoraproject Fedora=34
Fedoraproject Fedora=35
NetApp Clustered Data ONTAP
Oracle Communications Diameter Signaling Router>=8.0.0.0<=8.5.0.2
Microsoft cbl2 php

Event History

Oct 21, 2021
CVE Published
via PHP·12:00 AM
Oct 22, 2021
Data Sourced
09:24 AM
SeverityAffected Software
Oct 25, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:40 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:40 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Oct 1, 2025
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·11:11 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·11:11 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·11:11 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-21703?

CVE-2021-21703 is a vulnerability in PHP versions 7.3.x up to and including 7.3.31, 7.4.x below 7.4.25, and 8.0.x below 8.0.12 that allows child worker processes running as lower-privileged users to access memory shared with the main FPM daemon process running as root, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2021-21703?

CVE-2021-21703 has a severity rating of high, with a severity value of 7.

3

How can I fix CVE-2021-21703?

To fix CVE-2021-21703, you should upgrade to PHP version 8.0.12 or apply the appropriate patches for PHP versions 7.3.x, 7.4.x, and 8.0.x.

4

Where can I find more information about CVE-2021-21703?

You can find more information about CVE-2021-21703 on the official PHP website and the Openwall mailing list.

5

What are the CWE identifiers associated with CVE-2021-21703?

CVE-2021-21703 is associated with CWE-787 and CWE-284.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203