How severe is CVE-2021-33159?

CVE-2021-33159 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.4, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-33159 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (8th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-33159?

CVE-2021-33159 affects Intel Active Management Technology Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-33159?

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-2021-33159 published?

CVE-2021-33159 was published on 2022-11-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-33159

CVE-2021-33159 is a high-severity vulnerability in Intel Active Management Technology Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.4. 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-287.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.4)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (8th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected product: Intel Active Management Technology Firmware
Published: 2022-11-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper authentication in subsystem for Intel(R) AMT before versions 11.8.93, 11.22.93, 11.12.93, 12.0.92, 14.1.67, 15.0.42, 16.1.25 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-33159?: Improper authentication in subsystem for Intel(R) AMT before versions 11.8.93, 11.22.93, 11.12.93, 12.0.92, 14.1.67, 15.0.42, 16.1.25 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
How severe is CVE-2021-33159?: CVE-2021-33159 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.4, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-33159 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (8th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-33159?: CVE-2021-33159 affects Intel Active Management Technology Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-33159?: 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-2021-33159 published?: CVE-2021-33159 was published on 2022-11-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00610.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:intel:active_management_technology_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Intel Active Management Technology Firmware

CVE-2022-30601 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Insufficiently protected credentials for Intel(R) AMT and Intel(R) Standard Manageability may allow an unauthenticated…
CVE-2020-8752 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Out-of-bounds write in IPv6 subsystem for Intel(R) AMT, Intel(R) ISM versions before 11.8.80, 11.12.80, 11.22.80,…
CVE-2020-8758 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Improper buffer restrictions in network subsystem in provisioned Intel(R) AMT and Intel(R) ISM versions before 11.8.79,…
CVE-2020-0595 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Use after free in IPv6 subsystem in Intel(R) AMT and Intel(R) ISM versions before 11.8.77, 11.12.77, 11.22.77 and…
CVE-2020-0594 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Out-of-bounds read in IPv6 subsystem in Intel(R) AMT and Intel(R) ISM versions before 11.8.77, 11.12.77, 11.22.77 and…
CVE-2019-11131 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Logic issue in subsystem in Intel(R) AMT before versions 11.8.70, 11.11.70, 11.22.70 and 12.0.45 may allow an…

All CVEs affecting Intel Active Management Technology Firmware →

Other CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) vulnerabilities

CVE-2026-45480 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Active Directory allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
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CVE-2026-10611 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in MISP when LDAP mixed authentication is enabled with OTP enforcement.…
CVE-2026-47280 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Resource Manager (ARM) allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a…
CVE-2026-42822 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Local Disconnected Operations allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges…
CVE-2026-20182 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): May 2026: This security advisory provides the details and fix information for a vulnerability that was discovered and…

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