How severe is CVE-2021-24092?

CVE-2021-24092 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-2021-24092 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (42nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-24092?

CVE-2021-24092 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Defender. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-24092?

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-2021-24092 published?

CVE-2021-24092 was published on 2021-02-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-24092

CVE-2021-24092 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Defender 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-269.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (42nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Defender
Published: 2021-02-25
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-24092?: Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2021-24092?: CVE-2021-24092 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-2021-24092 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (42nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-24092?: CVE-2021-24092 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Defender. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-24092?: 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-2021-24092 published?: CVE-2021-24092 was published on 2021-02-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-24092

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_defender:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:endpoint_protection:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:security_essentials:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:system_center_endpoint_protection:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:system_center_endpoint_protection:2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:system_center_endpoint_protection:2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*

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