CVE-2021-21551

Name: CVE-2021-21551
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-05-04T16:15:07.867+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 57.47%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-21551 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Dell dbutil_2_3.sys driver contains an insufficient access control vulnerability which may lead to escalation of privileges, denial of service, or information disclosure. Local authenticated user access is required.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 57.47% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Dell dbutil_2_3.sys driver contains an insufficient access control vulnerability which may lead to escalation of privileges, denial of service, or information disclosure. Local authenticated user access is required.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

57.47%

99.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Apr 21, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-782

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Dell	Dbutil	<= 2.3

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162604/Dell-DBUtil_2_3.sys-IOCTL-Memory-Read-Write.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162739/DELL-dbutil_2_3.sys-2.3-Arbitrary-Write-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000186019/dsa-2021-088-dell-client-platform-security-update-for-dell-driver-insufficient-access-control-vulnerabilityMitigation, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162604/Dell-DBUtil_2_3.sys-IOCTL-Memory-Read-Write.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162739/DELL-dbutil_2_3.sys-2.3-Arbitrary-Write-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000186019/dsa-2021-088-dell-client-platform-security-update-for-dell-driver-insufficient-access-control-vulnerabilityMitigation, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-21551US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: May 4, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-21551?

How severe is CVE-2021-21551?

CVE-2021-21551 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 57.47% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2021-21551?

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-2021-21551?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST