How severe is CVE-2021-23882?

CVE-2021-23882 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-23882 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-2021-23882?

CVE-2021-23882 affects Mcafee Endpoint Security. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-23882?

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-2021-23882 published?

CVE-2021-23882 was published on 2021-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-23882

CVE-2021-23882 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mcafee Endpoint Security with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. 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-269.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
CVSS v2: 1.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (21st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Mcafee Endpoint Security
Published: 2021-02-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper Access Control vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) for Windows prior to 10.7.0 February 2021 Update allows local administrators to prevent the installation of some ENS files by placing carefully crafted files where ENS will be installed. This is only applicable to clean installations of ENS as the Access Control rules will prevent modification prior to up an upgrade.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-23882?: Improper Access Control vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) for Windows prior to 10.7.0 February 2021 Update allows local administrators to prevent the installation of some ENS files by placing carefully crafted files where ENS will be installed. This is only applicable to clean installations of ENS as the Access Control rules will prevent modification prior to up an upgrade.
How severe is CVE-2021-23882?: CVE-2021-23882 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-23882 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-2021-23882?: CVE-2021-23882 affects Mcafee Endpoint Security. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-23882?: 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-2021-23882 published?: CVE-2021-23882 was published on 2021-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10345

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Mcafee Endpoint Security

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