How severe is CVE-2021-22037?

CVE-2021-22037 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-22037 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (20th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-22037?

CVE-2021-22037 affects Vmware Installbuilder. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22037?

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-2021-22037 published?

CVE-2021-22037 was published on 2021-10-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-22037

CVE-2021-22037 is a high-severity vulnerability in Vmware Installbuilder 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-427.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.4
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (20th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-427
Affected product: Vmware Installbuilder
Published: 2021-10-29
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Under certain circumstances, when manipulating the Windows registry, InstallBuilder uses the reg.exe system command. The full path to the command is not enforced, which results in a search in the search path until a binary can be identified. This makes the installer/uninstaller vulnerable to Path Interception by Search Order Hijacking, potentially allowing an attacker to plant a malicious reg.exe command so it takes precedence over the system command. The vulnerability only affects Windows installers.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-22037?: Under certain circumstances, when manipulating the Windows registry, InstallBuilder uses the reg.exe system command. The full path to the command is not enforced, which results in a search in the search path until a binary can be identified. This makes the installer/uninstaller vulnerable to Path Interception by Search Order Hijacking, potentially allowing an attacker to plant a malicious reg.exe command so it takes precedence over the system command. The vulnerability only affects Windows installers.
How severe is CVE-2021-22037?: CVE-2021-22037 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-22037 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (20th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-22037?: CVE-2021-22037 affects Vmware Installbuilder. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-22037?: 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-2021-22037 published?: CVE-2021-22037 was published on 2021-10-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://blog.installbuilder.com/2021/10/installbuilder-2160-released.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:vmware:installbuilder:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*

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