CVE-2021-45231

Name: CVE-2021-45231
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-01-10T14:10:28.013+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.64%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-45231 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A link following privilege escalation vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One (on-prem and SaaS) and Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security (10.0 SP1 and Services) could allow a local attacker to create a specially crafted file with arbitrary content which could grant local privilege escalation on the affected system. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.. EPSS estimates a 0.64% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A link following privilege escalation vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One (on-prem and SaaS) and Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security (10.0 SP1 and Services) could allow a local attacker to create a specially crafted file with arbitrary content which could grant local privilege escalation on the affected system. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

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

0.64%

46.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-59

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Trendmicro	Apex One	2019	—
Trendmicro	Worry-Free Business Security	10.0	Sp1
Trendmicro	Worry-Free Business Security Services	All versions	—

References

https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000289996Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-013/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000289996Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-013/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry

Timeline

Published: Jan 10, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-45231?

How severe is CVE-2021-45231?

CVE-2021-45231 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.64% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-45231?

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-2021-45231?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST