Description
The mkdocs 1.2.2 built-in dev-server allows directory traversal using the port 8000, enabling remote exploitation to obtain :sensitive information. NOTE: the vendor has disputed this as described in https://github.com/mkdocs/mkdocs/issues/2601.] and https://github.com/nisdn/CVE-2021-40978/issues/1
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | python-mkdocs | No fix yet | — |
| Debian 13 | python-mkdocs | No fix yet | — |
| Debian 12 | python-mkdocs | No fix yet | — |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
GitHub 1 repository
-
nisdn/CVE-2021-40978 ★ 2 · Oct 4, 2021
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Automated scanner template
A ready-made Nuclei template detects this vulnerability automatically. Vulnerabilities with public scanner templates are typically probed across the internet soon after the template appears — exposed systems should be patched first.
- MKdocs 1.2.2 - Directory Traversal http/cves/2021/CVE-2021-40978.yaml
Source: projectdiscovery/nuclei-templates (MIT) — updated daily. Only links are listed.
Affected packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected | Fixed | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PyPI | mkdocs | >= 1.2.2, < 1.2.3 | 1.2.3 | GHSA-qh9q-34h6-hcv9 |