HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-8021
MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2016-8021

CWE-347Published: March 14, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

5.0
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Improper verification of cryptographic signature vulnerability in Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux (VSEL) 2.0.3 (and earlier) allows remote authenticated users to spoof update server and execute arbitrary code via a crafted input file.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-8021 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in full integrity compromise (data manipulation), with a CVSS base score of 5.0.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2016-8021. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

Affected Vendors & Products

mcafee1 product(s)
virusscan enterprise
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

All References (8)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2016-8021
CVSS Score5.0 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-347
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedMar 14, 2017

Related CVEs (CWE-347)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2016-8021 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.