How severe is CVE-2021-31840?

CVE-2021-31840 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-31840 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (27th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-31840?

CVE-2021-31840 affects Mcafee Mcafee Agent. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-31840?

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-2021-31840 published?

CVE-2021-31840 was published on 2021-06-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-31840

CVE-2021-31840 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mcafee Mcafee Agent with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. 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-427.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
CVSS v2: 4.4
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (27th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-427
Affected product: Mcafee Mcafee Agent
Published: 2021-06-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A vulnerability in the preloading mechanism of specific dynamic link libraries in McAfee Agent for Windows prior to 5.7.3 could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform a DLL preloading attack with unsigned DLLs. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have valid credentials on the Windows system. This would result in the user gaining elevated permissions and being able to execute arbitrary code.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-31840?: A vulnerability in the preloading mechanism of specific dynamic link libraries in McAfee Agent for Windows prior to 5.7.3 could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform a DLL preloading attack with unsigned DLLs. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have valid credentials on the Windows system. This would result in the user gaining elevated permissions and being able to execute arbitrary code.
How severe is CVE-2021-31840?: CVE-2021-31840 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-31840 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (27th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-31840?: CVE-2021-31840 affects Mcafee Mcafee Agent. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-31840?: 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-2021-31840 published?: CVE-2021-31840 was published on 2021-06-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10362

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:mcafee_agent:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*

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