How severe is CVE-2021-20401?

CVE-2021-20401 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-20401 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-20401?

CVE-2021-20401 primarily affects Ibm Qradar Security Information And Event Manager. In total, 12 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20401?

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-2021-20401 published?

CVE-2021-20401 was published on 2021-05-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-20401

CVE-2021-20401 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Qradar Security Information And Event Manager with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-798.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (5th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-798
Affected product: Ibm Qradar Security Information And Event Manager
Published: 2021-05-05
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

IBM QRadar SIEM 7.3 and 7.4 contains hard-coded credentials, such as a password or cryptographic key, which it uses for its own inbound authentication, outbound communication to external components, or encryption of internal data. IBM X-Force ID: 196075.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-20401?: IBM QRadar SIEM 7.3 and 7.4 contains hard-coded credentials, such as a password or cryptographic key, which it uses for its own inbound authentication, outbound communication to external components, or encryption of internal data. IBM X-Force ID: 196075.
How severe is CVE-2021-20401?: CVE-2021-20401 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-20401 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-20401?: CVE-2021-20401 primarily affects Ibm Qradar Security Information And Event Manager. In total, 12 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-20401?: 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-2021-20401 published?: CVE-2021-20401 was published on 2021-05-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (12)

cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.3.3:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.3.3:fix_pack_1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.3.3:fix_pack_2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.3.3:fix_pack_3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.3.3:fix_pack_4:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.3.3:fix_pack_5:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.3.3:fix_pack_6:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.3.3:fix_pack_7:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.4.2:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.4.2:fix_pack_1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:qradar_security_information_and_event_manager:7.4.2:fix_pack_2:*:*:*:*:*:*

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