How severe is CVE-2021-31843?

CVE-2021-31843 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-2021-31843 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-31843?

CVE-2021-31843 primarily affects Mcafee Endpoint Security. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-31843?

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-2021-31843 published?

CVE-2021-31843 was published on 2021-09-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-31843

CVE-2021-31843 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mcafee Endpoint Security 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-59.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (22nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: Mcafee Endpoint Security
Published: 2021-09-17
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper privileges management vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) Windows prior to 10.7.0 September 2021 Update allows local users to access files which they would otherwise not have access to via manipulating junction links to redirect McAfee folder operations to an unintended location.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-31843?: Improper privileges management vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) Windows prior to 10.7.0 September 2021 Update allows local users to access files which they would otherwise not have access to via manipulating junction links to redirect McAfee folder operations to an unintended location.
How severe is CVE-2021-31843?: CVE-2021-31843 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-2021-31843 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-31843?: CVE-2021-31843 primarily affects Mcafee Endpoint Security. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-31843?: 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-2021-31843 published?: CVE-2021-31843 was published on 2021-09-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10367

Affected products (10)

cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:-:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:april_2020:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:april_2021:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:february_2020:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:february_2021:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:july_2020:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:june_2021:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:november_2020:*:*:*:windows:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:endpoint_security:10.7.0:september_2020:*:*:*:windows:*:*

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