CVE-2021-31854
CVE-2021-31854 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mcafee Agent with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7. 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-78.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.7)
- CVSS v2: 9.3
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (62nd percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-78
- Affected product: Mcafee Agent
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
A command Injection Vulnerability in McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows prior to 5.7.5 allows local users to inject arbitrary shell code into the file cleanup.exe. The malicious clean.exe file is placed into the relevant folder and executed by running the McAfee Agent deployment feature located in the System Tree. An attacker may exploit the vulnerability to obtain a reverse shell which can lead to privilege escalation to obtain root privileges.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2021-31854?
- A command Injection Vulnerability in McAfee Agent (MA) for Windows prior to 5.7.5 allows local users to inject arbitrary shell code into the file cleanup.exe. The malicious clean.exe file is placed into the relevant folder and executed by running the McAfee Agent deployment feature located in the System Tree. An attacker may exploit the vulnerability to obtain a reverse shell which can lead to privilege escalation to obtain root privileges.
- How severe is CVE-2021-31854?
- CVE-2021-31854 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2021-31854 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (62nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2021-31854?
- CVE-2021-31854 affects Mcafee Agent. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2021-31854?
- 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-2021-31854 published?
- CVE-2021-31854 was published on 2022-01-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:mcafee:agent:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*
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