CVE-2021-31853

Name: CVE-2021-31853
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-11-10T09:15:07.307+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.19%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-31853 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. DLL Search Order Hijacking Vulnerability in McAfee Drive Encryption (MDE) prior to 7.3.0 HF2 (7.3.0.183) allows local users to execute arbitrary code and escalate privileges via execution from a compromised folder.. EPSS estimates a 0.19% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

DLL Search Order Hijacking Vulnerability in McAfee Drive Encryption (MDE) prior to 7.3.0 HF2 (7.3.0.183) allows local users to execute arbitrary code and escalate privileges via execution from a compromised folder.

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

0.19%

9.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Mcafee	Drive Encryption	>= 7.2.0, <= 7.2.10
Mcafee	Drive Encryption	7.3.0

References

https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10374Broken Link
https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10374Broken Link

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-31853?

How severe is CVE-2021-31853?

CVE-2021-31853 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.19% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-31853?

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-2021-31853?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST