PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2021-27137 DD-WRT CVE debrief
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in DD-WRT, a popular open-source router firmware. This issue is known to be exploited in the wild, posing significant risks to defenders. Immediate attention is required from defenders to assess exposure and apply mitigations according to vendor instructions. The vulnerability allows for potential code execution and disruption to services, emphasizing the need for prompt action. DD-WRT is widely used in various network environments, and its exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control of affected systems.
- Vendor
- DD-WRT
- Product
- DD-WRT
- CVSS
- HIGH 8.1
- CISA KEV
- Listed
- Original CVE published
- 2026-07-21
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-07-21
- Advisory published
- 2026-07-21
- Advisory updated
- 2026-07-21
Who should care
Defenders and administrators of DD-WRT installations should assess exposure and apply mitigations according to vendor instructions. This includes reviewing system configurations, ensuring compliance with security policies, and verifying system integrity. Additionally, security teams and vulnerability management teams should prioritize patching or mitigating this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation. The C
Why it matters
CVE-2021-27137 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in DD-WRT that is known to be exploited in the wild. Defenders and administrators of DD-WRT installations should assess exposure and apply mitigations according to vendor instructions. The vulnerability requires immediate attention due to the potential for code execution and disruption to services.
- Potential for code execution through exploitation of the buffer overflow vulnerability
- Need for immediate patching or mitigation to prevent exploitation
- Potential disruption to services if exploited
- Verification of system integrity and monitoring for suspicious activity
Technical summary
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in DD-WRT, which is known to be exploited in the wild. The vulnerability requires immediate attention from defenders due to its potential for code execution and disruption to services. DD-WRT is a popular open-source firmware used in routers, and its exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control of affected systems. The vulnerability is caused by a buffer overflow in the firmware's handling of certain inputs, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. Defenders should assess exposure and apply to
Defensive priority
High priority due to known exploitation
Recommended defensive actions
- Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions
- Ensure compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk guidance
- Follow CISA’s Forensics Triage Requirements
Evidence notes
The vulnerability is described as a stack-based buffer overflow in DD-WRT. CISA has added this vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating active exploitation.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
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CVE-2021-27137 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2021-27137
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2021-27137 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-27137
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
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CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency - Official CISA catalog of vulnerabilities known to be exploited in the wild.
Supplemental references
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DD-WRT DD-WRT DD-WRT Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/feeds/known_exploited_vulnerabilities.json
cisa_kev
Methodology and review provenance
AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.