Is CVE-2021-21985 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2021-21985 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2021-21985 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2021-21985 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-21985?

CVE-2021-21985 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-21985

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2021-21985

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:94.41%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:100.0th

Official Description

VMware vSphere Client contains an improper input validation vulnerability in the Virtual SAN Health Check plug-in, which is enabled by default in vCenter Server, which allows for remote code execution.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

VMware vCenter Server Improper Input Validation 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

VMware vSphere Client's Virtual SAN Health Check plug-in, enabled by default in vCenter Server, has an improper input validation vulnerability that allows for remote code execution. The high EPSS score of 0.94412 indicates a very high likelihood of exploitation, making this a critical concern.

This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is included in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its confirmed exploitation. The remote code execution capability makes it highly dangerous.

Recommended Action

Apply the latest security patches and updates for VMware vCenter Server. Ensure proper network segmentation for vCenter Server and restrict access to the vSphere Client.

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-2021-21985 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-2021-21985 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.