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.