How severe is CVE-2021-44023?

CVE-2021-44023 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-44023 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-44023?

CVE-2021-44023 primarily affects Trendmicro Antivirus+ Security 2021. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-44023?

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-2021-44023 published?

CVE-2021-44023 was published on 2021-12-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-44023

CVE-2021-44023 is a high-severity vulnerability in Trendmicro Antivirus+ Security 2021 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. 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-59.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.1)
CVSS v2: 3.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (33rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: Trendmicro Antivirus+ Security 2021
Published: 2021-12-16
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A link following denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability in the Trend Micro Security (Consumer) 2021 familiy of products could allow an attacker to abuse the PC Health Checkup feature of the product to create symlinks that would allow modification of files which could lead to a denial-of-service.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-44023?: A link following denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability in the Trend Micro Security (Consumer) 2021 familiy of products could allow an attacker to abuse the PC Health Checkup feature of the product to create symlinks that would allow modification of files which could lead to a denial-of-service.
How severe is CVE-2021-44023?: CVE-2021-44023 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-44023 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-44023?: CVE-2021-44023 primarily affects Trendmicro Antivirus+ Security 2021. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-44023?: 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-2021-44023 published?: CVE-2021-44023 was published on 2021-12-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:trendmicro:antivirus\+_security_2021:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:trendmicro:internet_security_2021:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:trendmicro:maximum_security_2021:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:trendmicro:premium_security_2021:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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