How severe is CVE-2021-22043?

CVE-2021-22043 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-22043 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (60th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-22043?

CVE-2021-22043 primarily affects Vmware Fusion. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22043?

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-2021-22043 published?

CVE-2021-22043 was published on 2022-02-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-22043

CVE-2021-22043 is a high-severity vulnerability in Vmware Fusion with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-367.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 6.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (60th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-367
Affected product: Vmware Fusion
Published: 2022-02-16
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

VMware ESXi contains a TOCTOU (Time-of-check Time-of-use) vulnerability that exists in the way temporary files are handled. A malicious actor with access to settingsd, may exploit this issue to escalate their privileges by writing arbitrary files.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-22043?: VMware ESXi contains a TOCTOU (Time-of-check Time-of-use) vulnerability that exists in the way temporary files are handled. A malicious actor with access to settingsd, may exploit this issue to escalate their privileges by writing arbitrary files.
How severe is CVE-2021-22043?: CVE-2021-22043 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-22043 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (60th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-22043?: CVE-2021-22043 primarily affects Vmware Fusion. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-22043?: 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-2021-22043 published?: CVE-2021-22043 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:fusion:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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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