CWE-553: Command Shell in Externally Accessible Directory
A possible shell file exists in /cgi-bin/ or other accessible directories. This is extremely dangerous and can be used by an attacker to execute commands on the web server.
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Overview
CWE-553 (Command Shell in Externally Accessible Directory) is a variant-level software weakness catalogued by MITRE in the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE). It describes a recurring type of mistake that can lead to exploitable security vulnerabilities.
Real-world CVEs
1 recorded CVEs are caused by CWE-553 (Command Shell in Externally Accessible Directory). The highest-severity and most recent are shown first. 1 new CWE-553 CVE has been recorded so far in 2026.
Common consequences
What can happen when CWE-553 is exploited.
Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Affects: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
How it happens
When it is introduced
Typically introduced during these phases of the software lifecycle.
Applies to
Technologies
How to prevent it
Practical mitigations for CWE-553, grouped by where in the lifecycle they apply.
Remove any Shells accessible under the web root folder and children directories.
Attack patterns
CAPEC attack patterns that exploit this weakness.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about CWE-553.
- What is CWE-553?
- A possible shell file exists in /cgi-bin/ or other accessible directories. This is extremely dangerous and can be used by an attacker to execute commands on the web server.
- What CVEs are caused by CWE-553?
- 1 recorded CVEs are attributed to CWE-553, including CVE-2025-66620.
- How do you prevent CWE-553?
- Remove any Shells accessible under the web root folder and children directories.
- What are the consequences of CWE-553?
- Exploiting CWE-553 can lead to: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands.
- Is CWE-553 actively exploited?
- 1 recorded CVEs are caused by CWE-553; none are currently in CISA's KEV catalog of actively exploited flaws.
References
- MITRE CWE definition (CWE-553) (opens in a new tab)
- CWE-553 vulnerabilities on NVD (opens in a new tab)
- Learn: What is a CWE?
Weakness data is sourced from the MITRE CWE catalog (v4.20). CVE associations are aggregated and kept current by RadicalNotion.AI.
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