How severe is CVE-2021-23885?

CVE-2021-23885 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.0, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-23885 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (61st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-23885?

CVE-2021-23885 affects Mcafee Web Gateway. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-23885?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-23885 published?

CVE-2021-23885 was published on 2021-02-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-23885

CVE-2021-23885 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Mcafee Web Gateway with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.0. 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: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.0)
CVSS v2: 9.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (61st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Mcafee Web Gateway
Published: 2021-02-17
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Privilege escalation vulnerability in McAfee Web Gateway (MWG) prior to 9.2.8 allows an authenticated user to gain elevated privileges through the User Interface and execute commands on the appliance via incorrect improper neutralization of user input in the troubleshooting page.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-23885?: Privilege escalation vulnerability in McAfee Web Gateway (MWG) prior to 9.2.8 allows an authenticated user to gain elevated privileges through the User Interface and execute commands on the appliance via incorrect improper neutralization of user input in the troubleshooting page.
How severe is CVE-2021-23885?: CVE-2021-23885 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.0, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-23885 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (61st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-23885?: CVE-2021-23885 affects Mcafee Web Gateway. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-23885?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-23885 published?: CVE-2021-23885 was published on 2021-02-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10349

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:web_gateway:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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