CVE-2021-44515

Name: CVE-2021-44515
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-12-12T05:15:07.997+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 99.87%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-44515 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central is vulnerable to authentication bypass, leading to remote code execution on the server, as exploited in the wild in December 2021. For Enterprise builds 10.1.2127.17 and earlier, upgrade to 10.1.2127.18. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 99.87% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central is vulnerable to authentication bypass, leading to remote code execution on the server, as exploited in the wild in December 2021. For Enterprise builds 10.1.2127.17 and earlier, upgrade to 10.1.2127.18. For Enterprise builds 10.1.2128.0 through 10.1.2137.2, upgrade to 10.1.2137.3. For MSP builds 10.1.2127.17 and earlier, upgrade to 10.1.2127.18. For MSP builds 10.1.2128.0 through 10.1.2137.2, upgrade to 10.1.2137.3.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

99.87%

100.0th 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 Dec 24, 2021.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Zohocorp	Manageengine Desktop Central	< 10.1.2127.18
Zohocorp	Manageengine Desktop Central	>= 10.1.2128.0, < 10.1.2137.3

References

https://pitstop.manageengine.com/portal/en/community/topic/an-authentication-bypass-vulnerability-identified-and-fixed-in-desktop-central-and-desktop-central-mspIssue Tracking, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/current-activity/2021/12/10/cisa-adds-thirteen-known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalogBroken Link, Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/cve-2021-44515-authentication-bypass-filter-configuration.htmlExploit, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://pitstop.manageengine.com/portal/en/community/topic/an-authentication-bypass-vulnerability-identified-and-fixed-in-desktop-central-and-desktop-central-mspIssue Tracking, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/current-activity/2021/12/10/cisa-adds-thirteen-known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalogBroken Link, Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/cve-2021-44515-authentication-bypass-filter-configuration.htmlExploit, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-44515US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Dec 12, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-44515?

How severe is CVE-2021-44515?

CVE-2021-44515 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 99.87% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2021-44515?

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-2021-44515?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST