How severe is CVE-2021-21552?

CVE-2021-21552 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.2, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability none.

Is CVE-2021-21552 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (58th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-21552?

CVE-2021-21552 affects Microsoft Windows 10. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-21552?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2021-21552 published?

CVE-2021-21552 was published on 2021-05-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-21552

CVE-2021-21552 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.2. 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-863.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.2)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (58th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-863
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2021-05-21
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Dell Wyse Windows Embedded System versions WIE10 LTSC 2019 and earlier contain an improper authorization vulnerability. A local authenticated malicious user with low privileges may potentially exploit this vulnerability to bypass the restricted environment and perform unauthorized actions on the affected system.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-21552?: Dell Wyse Windows Embedded System versions WIE10 LTSC 2019 and earlier contain an improper authorization vulnerability. A local authenticated malicious user with low privileges may potentially exploit this vulnerability to bypass the restricted environment and perform unauthorized actions on the affected system.
How severe is CVE-2021-21552?: CVE-2021-21552 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.2, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability none.
Is CVE-2021-21552 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (58th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-21552?: CVE-2021-21552 affects Microsoft Windows 10. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-21552?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2021-21552 published?: CVE-2021-21552 was published on 2021-05-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000186134/dsa-2021-096-dell-wyse-windows-embedded-system-security-update-for-an-improper-authorization-vulnerability

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:*:*:*:*:enterprise_ltsc:*:*:*

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