CVE-2021-3620: Ansible discloses sensitive information in traceback error message
Summary
CVE-2021-3620: Ansible discloses sensitive information in traceback error message. Affects ansible versions < 2.9.27. Fixed in 2.9.27. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- ansible · Debian:11
The same CVE-2021-3620 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
Ansible is an IT automation system that handles configuration management, application deployment, cloud provisioning, ad-hoc task execution, network automation, and multi-node orchestration. It is widely used in various industries for automating IT processes and managing infrastructure. Ansible Engine's ansible-connection module is responsible for establishing connections and executing tasks on remote systems. This module is a critical component of Ansible's functionality.
Vulnerability Detail
A flaw was found in Ansible Engine's ansible-connection module where sensitive information, such as the Ansible user credentials, is disclosed by default in the traceback error message when Ansible receives an unexpected response from set_options. This vulnerability poses a moderate threat to the confidentiality of the system. An attacker who can intercept or view the error message can obtain sensitive information, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further compromise of the system.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 14.5.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "ansible==14.5.0"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
2.9.27
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "ansible==2.9.27"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to upgrade to the fixed version of Ansible to mitigate the risk of sensitive information disclosure.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Ansible Engine's ansible-connection module can result in the disclosure of sensitive information, posing a moderate threat to system confidentiality. It is crucial to upgrade to Ansible version 2.9.27 or later to mitigate this risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Ansible is an IT automation system used for configuration management, application deployment, cloud provisioning, and more.
The ansible-connection module is responsible for establishing connections and executing tasks on remote systems in Ansible.
This vulnerability can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information, such as user credentials, potentially enabling unauthorized access to the system.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade to Ansible version 2.9.27 or later.
No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. Upgrading to the fixed version is the recommended solution.
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