How severe is CVE-2021-31841?

CVE-2021-31841 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, 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-2021-31841 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (14th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-31841?

CVE-2021-31841 affects Mcafee Mcafee Agent. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-31841?

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-2021-31841 published?

CVE-2021-31841 was published on 2021-09-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-31841

CVE-2021-31841 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mcafee Mcafee Agent with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. 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-347.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
CVSS v2: 6.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (14th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-347
Affected product: Mcafee Mcafee Agent
Published: 2021-09-22
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A DLL sideloading vulnerability in McAfee Agent for Windows prior to 5.7.4 could allow a local user to perform a DLL sideloading attack with an unsigned DLL with a specific name and in a specific location. This would result in the user gaining elevated permissions and the ability to execute arbitrary code as the system user, through not checking the DLL signature.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-31841?: A DLL sideloading vulnerability in McAfee Agent for Windows prior to 5.7.4 could allow a local user to perform a DLL sideloading attack with an unsigned DLL with a specific name and in a specific location. This would result in the user gaining elevated permissions and the ability to execute arbitrary code as the system user, through not checking the DLL signature.
How severe is CVE-2021-31841?: CVE-2021-31841 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, 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-2021-31841 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (14th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-31841?: CVE-2021-31841 affects Mcafee Mcafee Agent. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-31841?: 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-2021-31841 published?: CVE-2021-31841 was published on 2021-09-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10369

Affected products (1)

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

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