Is CVE-2021-21972 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2021-21972 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2021-21972 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2021-21972 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-21972?

CVE-2021-21972 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-21972

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2021-21972

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:93.82%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.9th

Official Description

VMware vCenter Server vSphere Client contains a remote code execution vulnerability in a vCenter Server plugin which allows an attacker with network access to port 443 to execute commands with unrestricted privileges on the underlying operating system.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

VMware vCenter Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Added to KEV: 2021-11-03Federal patch deadline: 2021-11-17⚠ USED IN RANSOMWARE CAMPAIGNS

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

This vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server vSphere Client allows an attacker with network access to port 443 to execute commands with unrestricted privileges. The very high EPSS score of 0.93821 indicates a strong likelihood of exploitation, and its inclusion in CISA's KEV confirms active exploitation, making this a critical vulnerability.

This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. An attacker with network access to port 443 can remotely execute commands with unrestricted privileges.

Recommended Action

Organizations should apply the latest security updates and patches for VMware vCenter Server. Restrict network access to vCenter Server to only trusted administrators and necessary systems.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-21972 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

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

CISA has added CVE-2021-21972 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.