How severe is CVE-2021-38489?

CVE-2021-38489 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-38489 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (2nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38489?

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-2021-38489 published?

CVE-2021-38489 was published on 2026-09-03.

CVE-2021-38489

CVE-2021-38489 is a high-severity vulnerability 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-256.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (2nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-256
Published: 2026-09-03
Last modified: 2026-09-03

Description

HDD password plaintext is stored in a UEFI variable.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-38489?: HDD password plaintext is stored in a UEFI variable.
How severe is CVE-2021-38489?: CVE-2021-38489 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-38489 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (2nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2021-38489?: 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-2021-38489 published?: CVE-2021-38489 was published on 2026-09-03.

References

https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/sa-2022025/

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