Arbitrary code execution in ExifTool
Impact
Arbitrary code execution can occur when running exiftool against files with hostile metadata payloads.
Patches
ExifTool has already been patched in version 12.24. exiftool-vendored, which vendors ExifTool, includes this patch in v14.3.0.
Workarounds
No.
References
https://twitter.com/wcbowling/status/1385803927321415687 https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-22204
For more information
If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:
- Open an issue in exiftool-vendored
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | exiftool-vendored | < 14.3.0 | 14.3.0 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-74- Platform
- npm
- Package
exiftool-vendored- Disclosed
- 04.05.2021
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-4whq-r978-2x68 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: exiftool-vendored
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 2
- First → latest
- 05.2021 05.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- High 2
Disclosures per year
- 2021: 1
- 2022: 0
- 2023: 0
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 1
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