Arbitrary Code Execution in ExifTool-vendored

exiftool-vendored Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

04/05/2021
HIGH
Yes i
High
7.8

GHSA-4whq-r978-2x68: Arbitrary code execution in ExifTool. Affects exiftool-vendored versions < 14.3.0. Fixed in 14.3.0. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

Background

ExifTool-vendored is an npm package that vendors ExifTool, a powerful command-line tool used for reading, writing, and manipulating metadata in image, audio, and video files. It provides a convenient way to access ExifTool functionality within Node.js applications. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in ExifTool-vendored that allows for arbitrary code execution when processing files with malicious metadata payloads.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability (CVE-2021-22204) arises from a lack of proper input validation in ExifTool-vendored. When the tool is used to process files containing hostile metadata, an attacker can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code. This can lead to various malicious activities, such as remote code execution, unauthorized access, and data manipulation. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

14.3.0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

npm install exiftool-vendored@14.3.0

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Conclusion

In conclusion, ExifTool-vendored is vulnerable to arbitrary code execution when processing files with malicious metadata payloads. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update to version 14.3.0 or later. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for exiftool-vendored →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

ExifTool-vendored is an npm package that vendors ExifTool, a command-line tool used for manipulating metadata in various file formats.

The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution, which can lead to remote code execution, unauthorized access, and data manipulation.

Update ExifTool-vendored to version 14.3.0 or later using the command 'npm install exiftool-vendored@latest'.

No, updating to the latest version is the only recommended solution.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-22204

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for exiftool-vendored.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

14.3.0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

npm install exiftool-vendored@14.3.0

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback