How severe is CVE-2021-28653?

CVE-2021-28653 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2021-28653 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (55th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-28653?

CVE-2021-28653 primarily affects Westerndigital Armorlock. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-28653?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2021-28653 published?

CVE-2021-28653 was published on 2021-03-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-28653

CVE-2021-28653 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Westerndigital Armorlock with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5. 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-922.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.5)
CVSS v2: 4.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (55th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-922
Affected product: Westerndigital Armorlock
Published: 2021-03-19
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The iOS and macOS apps before 1.4.1 for the Western Digital G-Technology ArmorLock NVMe SSD store keys insecurely. They choose a non-preferred storage mechanism if the device has Secure Enclave support but lacks biometric authentication hardware.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-28653?: The iOS and macOS apps before 1.4.1 for the Western Digital G-Technology ArmorLock NVMe SSD store keys insecurely. They choose a non-preferred storage mechanism if the device has Secure Enclave support but lacks biometric authentication hardware.
How severe is CVE-2021-28653?: CVE-2021-28653 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2021-28653 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (55th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-28653?: CVE-2021-28653 primarily affects Westerndigital Armorlock. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-28653?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2021-28653 published?: CVE-2021-28653 was published on 2021-03-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.westerndigital.com/support/productsecurity/wdc-21003-armorLock-insecure-key-storage-vulnerability

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:westerndigital:armorlock:*:*:*:*:*:iphone_os:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:westerndigital:armorlock:*:*:*:*:*:macos:*:*

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