How severe is CVE-2021-38626?

CVE-2021-38626 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-38626 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (36th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-38626?

CVE-2021-38626 affects Microsoft Windows Server 2008. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38626?

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-2021-38626 published?

CVE-2021-38626 was published on 2021-09-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-38626

CVE-2021-38626 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-269.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (36th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Published: 2021-09-15
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-38626?: Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2021-38626?: CVE-2021-38626 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-38626 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (36th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-38626?: CVE-2021-38626 affects Microsoft Windows Server 2008. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-38626?: 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-2021-38626 published?: CVE-2021-38626 was published on 2021-09-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-38626

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*

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