HIGH

CVE-2021-42260

Q: What is CVE-2021-42260?

TinyXML through 2.6.2 has an infinite loop in TiXmlParsingData::Stamp in tinyxmlparser.cpp via the TIXML_UTF_LEAD_0 case. It can be triggered by a crafted XML message and leads to a denial of service.

Q: Is CVE-2021-42260 actively exploited?

Active exploitation of CVE-2021-42260 has not been confirmed. Its EPSS score was 3.3% on 2026-10-19, the estimated probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Q: What is the CVSS score for CVE-2021-42260?

CVE-2021-42260 has a CVSS v3 base score of 7.5 (HIGH severity).

CVSS v3

7.5

HIGH

EPSS Score

3.3 %

exploit probability, as of 2026-10-19

CISA KEV

known exploited

Exploitation

—

SSVC status

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Affected and fixed versions

Packages from OSV.dev and products from the vendors' CSAF advisories.

version not verifiedVersions not verified: read as OSV.dev and the vendors publish them, not checked against each vendor's release list.

Vendor advisories

CVE-2021-42260 Red Hat Product Security
tinyxml: infinite loop causes crash
ICSA-26-244-05 CISA20 known affected
Rockwell Automation ControlLogix, CompactLogix, CompactLogix 5480, GuardLogix, Compact GuardLogix
Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 5580 <34.015 · Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 5580 <35.014 · Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 5580 <36.013

Full record on NVD

Description

TinyXML through 2.6.2 has an infinite loop in TiXmlParsingData::Stamp in tinyxmlparser.cpp via the TIXML_UTF_LEAD_0 case. It can be triggered by a crafted XML message and leads to a denial of service.

Technical details

Published: 2021-10-11

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-42260?

Is CVE-2021-42260 actively exploited?

Active exploitation of CVE-2021-42260 has not been confirmed. Its EPSS score was 3.3% on 2026-10-19, the estimated probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What is the CVSS score for CVE-2021-42260?

CVE-2021-42260 has a CVSS v3 base score of 7.5 (HIGH severity).

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