CVE-2021-22015

Name: CVE-2021-22015
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-09-23T13:15:07.827+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 1.81%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-22015 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The vCenter Server contains multiple local privilege escalation vulnerabilities due to improper permissions of files and directories. An authenticated local user with non-administrative privilege may exploit these issues to elevate their privileges to root on vCenter Server Appliance.. EPSS estimates a 1.81% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The vCenter Server contains multiple local privilege escalation vulnerabilities due to improper permissions of files and directories. An authenticated local user with non-administrative privilege may exploit these issues to elevate their privileges to root on vCenter Server Appliance.

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

1.81%

75.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-552

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Vmware	Cloud Foundation	>= 3.0, < 5.0
Vmware	Vcenter Server	6.5
Vmware	Vcenter Server	6.7
Vmware	Vcenter Server	7.0

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/170116/VMware-vCenter-vScalation-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0020.htmlPatch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/170116/VMware-vCenter-vScalation-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0020.htmlPatch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Sep 23, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-22015?

How severe is CVE-2021-22015?

CVE-2021-22015 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.81% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22015?

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-2021-22015?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST