CVE-2021-1492

Name: CVE-2021-1492
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-03-25T15:15:12.95+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.1/10EPSS 0.27%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-1492 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.1/10 on the CVSS scale. The Duo Authentication Proxy installer prior to 5.2.1 did not properly validate file installation paths. This allows an attacker with local user privileges to coerce the installer to write to arbitrary privileged directories. EPSS estimates a 0.27% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The Duo Authentication Proxy installer prior to 5.2.1 did not properly validate file installation paths. This allows an attacker with local user privileges to coerce the installer to write to arbitrary privileged directories. If successful, an attacker can manipulate files used by Duo Authentication Proxy installer, cause Denial of Service (DoS) by deleting file(s), or replace system files to potentially achieve elevation of privileges. This is only exploitable during new installations, while the installer is running, and is not exploitable once installation has finished. Versions 5.2.1 of Duo Authentication Proxy installer addresses this issue.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.27%

18.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-64

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Duo	Authentication Proxy	< 5.2.1

References

https://help.duo.com/s/article/6789Vendor Advisory
https://help.duo.com/s/article/6789Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 25, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-1492?

How severe is CVE-2021-1492?

CVE-2021-1492 has a CVSS score of 7.1/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.27% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-1492?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-1492?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST