CVE-2021-23874

Name: CVE-2021-23874
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-02-10T11:15:12.943+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 1.03%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-23874 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Arbitrary Process Execution vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code bypassing MTP self-defense.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 1.03% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Arbitrary Process Execution vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code bypassing MTP self-defense.

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

1.03%

59.2th 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 Nov 17, 2021.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Mcafee	Total Protection	< 16.0.30

References

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?&id=TS103114Broken Link
http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?&id=TS103114Broken Link
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-23874US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Feb 10, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-23874?

Arbitrary Process Execution vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code bypassing MTP self-defense.

How severe is CVE-2021-23874?

CVE-2021-23874 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.03% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2021-23874?

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-2021-23874?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST