CVE-2021-22921

Name: CVE-2021-22921
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-07-12T11:15:08.017+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 7.41%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-22921 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Node.js before 16.4.1, 14.17.2, and 12.22.2 is vulnerable to local privilege escalation attacks under certain conditions on Windows platforms. More specifically, improper configuration of permissions in the installation directory allows an attacker to perform two different escalation attacks: PATH and DLL hijacking.. EPSS estimates a 7.41% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Node.js before 16.4.1, 14.17.2, and 12.22.2 is vulnerable to local privilege escalation attacks under certain conditions on Windows platforms. More specifically, improper configuration of permissions in the installation directory allows an attacker to perform two different escalation attacks: PATH and DLL hijacking.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

7.41%

93.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 12.0.0, < 12.22.2
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 14.0.0, < 14.17.2
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 16.0.0, < 16.4.1
Siemens	Sinec Infrastructure Network Services	< 1.0.1.1

References

https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-389290.pdfPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/1211160Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/july-2021-security-releases/Patch, Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210805-0003/Third Party Advisory
https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-389290.pdfPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/1211160Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/july-2021-security-releases/Patch, Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210805-0003/Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jul 12, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-22921?

How severe is CVE-2021-22921?

CVE-2021-22921 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 7.41% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22921?

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-2021-22921?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST