How severe is CVE-2021-22042?

CVE-2021-22042 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-2021-22042 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-22042?

CVE-2021-22042 primarily affects Vmware Cloud Foundation. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22042?

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-2021-22042 published?

CVE-2021-22042 was published on 2022-02-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-22042

CVE-2021-22042 is a high-severity vulnerability in Vmware Cloud Foundation 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-863.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (21st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-863
Affected product: Vmware Cloud Foundation
Published: 2022-02-16
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

VMware ESXi contains an unauthorized access vulnerability due to VMX having access to settingsd authorization tickets. A malicious actor with privileges within the VMX process only, may be able to access settingsd service running as a high privileged user.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-22042?: VMware ESXi contains an unauthorized access vulnerability due to VMX having access to settingsd authorization tickets. A malicious actor with privileges within the VMX process only, may be able to access settingsd service running as a high privileged user.
How severe is CVE-2021-22042?: CVE-2021-22042 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-2021-22042 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-22042?: CVE-2021-22042 primarily affects Vmware Cloud Foundation. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-22042?: 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-2021-22042 published?: CVE-2021-22042 was published on 2022-02-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2022-0004.html

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:vmware:cloud_foundation:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:7.0:update_1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:7.0:update_2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:vmware:esxi:7.0:update_3:*:*:*:*:*:*

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