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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2021-48017 OrbiTeam CVE debrief

OrbiTeam BSCW Server 5.x before 5.2.5 and 7.x before 7.4.4 contains an unauthenticated path traversal vulnerability in the style_name parameter of the theme operation. The vulnerability allows attackers to read local files. Defenders should prioritize verifying exposure and assessing the feasibility of path traversal attacks. The CVE record was published on 2026-10-22T10:57:31.855Z and has not been modified since then. The vulnerability has a high severity with a CVSS score of 8.7. The Shadowserver Foundation first observed exploitation evidence on 2023-10-22.

Vendor
OrbiTeam
Product
BSCW Server
CVSS
HIGH 8.7
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-10-22
Original CVE updated
2026-10-29
Advisory published
2026-10-22
Advisory updated
2026-10-29

Who should care

Defenders of OrbiTeam BSCW Server instances, especially those with versions earlier than 5.2.5 or 7.4.4, should assess exposure and verify the feasibility of path traversal attacks.

Why it matters

CVE-2021-48017 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in OrbiTeam BSCW Server that allows attackers to read local files. Defenders should prioritize verifying exposure and assessing the feasibility of path traversal attacks.

  • Verify exposure of OrbiTeam BSCW Server instances
  • Assess the feasibility of path traversal attacks
  • Restrict access to bscw.cgi to prevent unauthorized file access
  • Update to version 5.2.5 or 7.4.4 if vulnerable

Technical summary

OrbiTeam BSCW Server 5.x before 5.2.5 and 7.x before 7.4.4 contains an unauthenticated path traversal vulnerability in the style_name parameter of the theme operation. Attackers can send GET requests to /pub/bscw.cgi/<id>?op=theme with ../ sequences in style_name to read local files such as /etc/passwd. The vulnerability has a high severity with a CVSS score of 8.7. Exploitation evidence was first observed by the Shadowserver Foundation on 2023-10-22. The CVE record was published on 2026-10-22T10:57:31.855Z and has not been modified since then.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize verifying exposure of OrbiTeam BSCW Server instances, especially those with versions earlier than 5.2.5 or 7.4.4, and assess the feasibility of path traversal attacks.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Verify OrbiTeam BSCW Server version and assess exposure
  • Restrict access to bscw.cgi
  • Monitor for suspicious requests
  • Update to version 5.2.5 or 7.4.4 if vulnerable
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source item provide details on the unauthenticated path traversal vulnerability in OrbiTeam BSCW Server. Exploitation evidence was first observed by the Shadowserver Foundation on 2023-10-22.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2021-48017 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2021-48017

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2021-48017 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-48017

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • OrbiTeam BSCW Server < 5.2.5 / 7.4.4 Path Traversal via bscw.cgi

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2021/48xxx/CVE-2021-48017.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260421125237/https://sec-consult.com/vulnerability-lab/advisory/multiple-vulnerabilities-in-bscw-server/

    Supplemental source - third-party-advisory, exploit

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://packetstorm.news/files/id/165156/

    Supplemental source - exploit

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei-templates/blob/main/http/vulnerabilities/other/orbiteam-bscw-server-lfi.yaml

    Supplemental source - technical-description

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/orbiteam-bscw-server-5.2.5-7.4.4-path-traversal-via-bscw-cgi

    Supplemental source - third-party-advisory

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.