CVE-2021-22137
Description
In Elasticsearch versions before 7.11.2 and 6.8.15 a document disclosure flaw was found when Document or Field Level Security is used. Search queries do not properly preserve security permissions when executing certain cross-cluster search queries. This could result in the search disclosing the existence of documents the attacker should not be able to view. This could result in an attacker gaining additional insight into potentially sensitive indices.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Elasticsearch versions before 7.11.2 and 6.8.15 disclose documents when DLS/FLS is used, due to improper permission preservation in cross-cluster search.
Vulnerability
In Elasticsearch versions before 7.11.2 and 6.8.15, a document disclosure flaw exists when Document or Field Level Security (DLS/FLS) is enabled. Search queries do not properly preserve security permissions when executing certain cross-cluster search queries, allowing an attacker to learn the existence of documents they should not be able to view [1][3].
Exploitation
An attacker with low-privileged access to an Elasticsearch cluster that uses DLS/FLS and cross-cluster search can craft specific search queries that bypass the intended security restrictions. The attacker needs network access to the cluster and the ability to submit cross-cluster search requests [1][3].
Impact
Successful exploitation results in the disclosure of the existence of documents in indices that the attacker should not be able to view. This can provide the attacker with additional insight into potentially sensitive indices, compromising confidentiality [1][3].
Mitigation
Upgrade to Elasticsearch 7.11.2 or 6.8.15, which contain the fix for this vulnerability. There is no known workaround [3].
AI Insight generated on May 21, 2026. Synthesized from this CVE's description and the cited reference URLs; citations are validated against the source bundle.
Affected packages
Versions sourced from the GitHub Security Advisory.
| Package | Affected versions | Patched versions |
|---|---|---|
org.elasticsearch:elasticsearchMaven | >= 7.11.0, < 7.11.2 | 7.11.2 |
org.elasticsearch:elasticsearchMaven | < 6.8.15 | 6.8.15 |
Affected products
3- osv-coords2 versions
< 6.8.15+ 1 more
- (no CPE)range: < 6.8.15
- (no CPE)range: >= 7.11.0, < 7.11.2
- Range: before 7.11.2 and 6.8.15
Patches
0No patches discovered yet.
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
5- github.com/advisories/GHSA-hr65-qq6p-87r4ghsaADVISORY
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-22137ghsaADVISORY
- discuss.elastic.co/t/elastic-stack-7-12-0-and-6-8-15-security-update/268125ghsax_refsource_MISCWEB
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210625-0003ghsaWEB
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210625-0003/mitrex_refsource_CONFIRM
News mentions
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