CVE-2021-28098

Name: CVE-2021-28098
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-04-14T15:15:14.503+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.40%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-28098 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. An issue was discovered in Forescout CounterACT before 8.1.4. A local privilege escalation vulnerability is present in the logging function. EPSS estimates a 0.40% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An issue was discovered in Forescout CounterACT before 8.1.4. A local privilege escalation vulnerability is present in the logging function. SecureConnector runs with administrative privileges and writes logs entries to a file in %PROGRAMDATA%\ForeScout SecureConnector\ that has full permissions for the Everyone group. Using a symbolic link allows an attacker to point the log file to a privileged location such as %WINDIR%\System32. The resulting log file adopts the file permissions of the source of the symbolic link (in this case, the Everyone group). The log file in System32 can be replaced and renamed with a malicious DLL for 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

0.40%

32.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Forescout	Counteract	< 8.1.4

References

https://docs.forescout.comVendor Advisory
https://jordanpotti.com/2021/03/30/forescout-priv-esc-folder-permissions/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.adversis.io/research/2021/3/30/forescout-secure-connector-local-privilege-escalationExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://docs.forescout.comVendor Advisory
https://jordanpotti.com/2021/03/30/forescout-priv-esc-folder-permissions/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.adversis.io/research/2021/3/30/forescout-secure-connector-local-privilege-escalationExploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Apr 14, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-28098?

How severe is CVE-2021-28098?

CVE-2021-28098 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.40% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-28098?

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-2021-28098?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST