How severe is CVE-2021-20081?

CVE-2021-20081 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-20081 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 52% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-20081?

CVE-2021-20081 primarily affects Zohocorp Manageengine Servicedesk Plus. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20081?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-20081 published?

CVE-2021-20081 was published on 2021-06-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-20081

CVE-2021-20081 is a high-severity vulnerability in Zohocorp Manageengine Servicedesk Plus with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 52% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.2)
CVSS v2: 9.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 52% (99th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Zohocorp Manageengine Servicedesk Plus
Published: 2021-06-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Incomplete List of Disallowed Inputs in ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before version 11205 allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands with SYSTEM privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-20081?: Incomplete List of Disallowed Inputs in ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before version 11205 allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands with SYSTEM privileges.
How severe is CVE-2021-20081?: CVE-2021-20081 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-20081 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 52% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-20081?: CVE-2021-20081 primarily affects Zohocorp Manageengine Servicedesk Plus. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-20081?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-20081 published?: CVE-2021-20081 was published on 2021-06-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.tenable.com/security/research/tra-2021-22

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:zohocorp:manageengine_servicedesk_plus:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:zohocorp:manageengine_servicedesk_plus:11.2:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:zohocorp:manageengine_servicedesk_plus:11.2:build11201:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:zohocorp:manageengine_servicedesk_plus:11.2:build11202:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:zohocorp:manageengine_servicedesk_plus:11.2:build11203:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:zohocorp:manageengine_servicedesk_plus:11.2:build11204:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Zohocorp Manageengine Servicedesk Plus

CVE-2022-47966 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Multiple Zoho ManageEngine on-premise products, such as ServiceDesk Plus through 14003, allow remote code execution due…
CVE-2021-44526 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before 12003 allows authentication bypass in certain admin configurations.
CVE-2021-44077 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before 11306, ServiceDesk Plus MSP before 10530, and SupportCenter Plus before 11014…
CVE-2021-37415 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before 11302 is vulnerable to authentication bypass that allows a few REST-API URLs…
CVE-2019-8395 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerability exists in Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus (SDP) before 10.0…
CVE-2020-35682 — High (CVSS 8.8): Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before 11134 allows an Authentication Bypass (only during SAML login).

All CVEs affecting Zohocorp Manageengine Servicedesk Plus →