How severe is CVE-2021-36958?

CVE-2021-36958 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-36958 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 32% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-36958?

CVE-2021-36958 affects Microsoft Windows. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-36958?

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-2021-36958 published?

CVE-2021-36958 was published on 2021-08-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-36958

CVE-2021-36958 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 32% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 32% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows
Published: 2021-08-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.</p>

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-36958?: <p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.</p>
How severe is CVE-2021-36958?: CVE-2021-36958 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-36958 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 32% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-36958?: CVE-2021-36958 affects Microsoft Windows. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-36958?: 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-2021-36958 published?: CVE-2021-36958 was published on 2021-08-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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