How severe is CVE-2021-31421?

CVE-2021-31421 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.0, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2021-31421 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-31421?

CVE-2021-31421 affects Parallels Parallels Desktop. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-31421?

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

When was CVE-2021-31421 published?

CVE-2021-31421 was published on 2021-04-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-31421

CVE-2021-31421 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Parallels Parallels Desktop with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.0. 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-22.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.0)
CVSS v2: 2.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (33rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-22
Affected product: Parallels Parallels Desktop
Published: 2021-04-29
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

This vulnerability allows local attackers to delete arbitrary files on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 16.1.1-49141. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target guest system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the Toolgate component. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to delete arbitrary files in the context of the hypervisor. Was ZDI-CAN-12129.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-31421?: This vulnerability allows local attackers to delete arbitrary files on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 16.1.1-49141. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target guest system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the Toolgate component. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to delete arbitrary files in the context of the hypervisor. Was ZDI-CAN-12129.
How severe is CVE-2021-31421?: CVE-2021-31421 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.0, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2021-31421 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-31421?: CVE-2021-31421 affects Parallels Parallels Desktop. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-31421?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2021-31421 published?: CVE-2021-31421 was published on 2021-04-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:parallels:parallels_desktop:16.1.1-49141:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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