---
title: "CVE-2021-44521: Remote code execution for scripted UDFs | CubePath"
description: "When running Apache Cassandra with the following configuration: enable_user_defined_functions: true enable_scripted_user_defined_functions: true…"
language: en
source: https://cubepath.com/security/cve/CVE-2021-44521
---

# CVE-2021-44521: Remote code execution for scripted UDFs | CubePath

## Description

When running Apache Cassandra with the following configuration: enable\_user\_defined\_functions: true enable\_scripted\_user\_defined\_functions: true enable\_user\_defined\_functions\_threads: false it is possible for an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the host. The attacker would need to have enough permissions to create user defined functions in the cluster to be able to exploit this. Note that this configuration is documented as unsafe, and will continue to be considered unsafe after this CVE.

Official description from the CVE record, published by apache. Copyright © 1999-2026 The MITRE Corporation. See [/security/cve/legal](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal) for the CVE license. [View the record on cve.org](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2021-44521)

## Key data

### EPSS

Exploit Prediction Scoring System by FIRST: an estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days.

Score

0.58896 (58.9% probability)

Percentile

99.1%

Scores of

Nov 10, 2026

Model

v2026.06.15

### Weakness (CWE)

CWE catalog version 5.0.

CWE names: Copyright © 2006-2026, The MITRE Corporation. See [/security/cve/legal](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal) for the CWE license.

- [CWE-94](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/94.html) Improper Control of Generation of Code

## Affected products

Products listed in the CVE record, as the CNA published them.

- Apache Cassandra

  - affected: 3.0.0 up to before unspecified
  - affected: unspecified up to before 3.0.26
  - affected: 3.1 up to before unspecified
  - affected: unspecified up to before 3.11.12
  - affected: 4.0.0 up to before unspecified
  - affected: unspecified up to before 4.0.2

## References

Links listed in the CVE record. They lead to other sites, which CubePath does not control.

- [lists.apache.org/thread/y4nb9s4co34j8hdfmrshyl09lokm7356](https://lists.apache.org/thread/y4nb9s4co34j8hdfmrshyl09lokm7356)
- [\[oss-security\] 20220211 CVE-2021-44521: Apache Cassandra: Remote code execution for scripted UDFs](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/02/11/4)  (openwall.com) mailing-list
- [jfrog.com/blog/cve-2021-44521-exploiting-apache-cassandra-u…](https://jfrog.com/blog/cve-2021-44521-exploiting-apache-cassandra-user-defined-functions-for-remote-code-execution/)
- [security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220225-0001](https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220225-0001/)

## Timeline

1. ID reserved Dec 2, 2021
2. Record published Feb 11, 2022
3. Record last updated Aug 4, 2024

## Look up another CVE

## About CubePath

CubePath is a cloud provider with data centers in Europe and the United States. It offers VPS, bare metal servers and DDoS protection.

[Cloud VPS](https://cubepath.com/vps) [DDoS protection](https://cubepath.com/ddos-protection)

Data from the CVE Program (MITRE), CISA KEV and FIRST EPSS. CVSS is owned by FIRST and used by permission. Not affiliated with or endorsed by MITRE, CISA or FIRST. Data as of Nov 10, 2026, 20:04 UTC. [Sources and licenses](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal)