CVE-2021-22048

Name: CVE-2021-22048
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-11-10T18:15:08.037+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 9.98%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-22048 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The vCenter Server contains a privilege escalation vulnerability in the IWA (Integrated Windows Authentication) authentication mechanism. A malicious actor with non-administrative access to vCenter Server may exploit this issue to elevate privileges to a higher privileged group.. EPSS estimates a 9.98% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The vCenter Server contains a privilege escalation vulnerability in the IWA (Integrated Windows Authentication) authentication mechanism. A malicious actor with non-administrative access to vCenter Server may exploit this issue to elevate privileges to a higher privileged group.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

9.98%

95.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Vmware	Cloud Foundation	>= 3.0, <= 3.10.2.2
Vmware	Cloud Foundation	>= 4.0, <= 4.1.0.1
Vmware	Vcenter Server	6.5
Vmware	Vcenter Server	6.7
Vmware	Vcenter Server	7.0

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/167733/VMware-Security-Advisory-2022-0025.2.htmlRelease Notes, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/167795/VMware-Security-Advisory-2021-0025.3.htmlRelease Notes, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0025.htmlPatch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/167733/VMware-Security-Advisory-2022-0025.2.htmlRelease Notes, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/167795/VMware-Security-Advisory-2021-0025.3.htmlRelease Notes, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0025.htmlPatch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 10, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-22048?

How severe is CVE-2021-22048?

CVE-2021-22048 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 9.98% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22048?

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-2021-22048?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST