Is CVE-2021-22986 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2021-22986 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2021-22986 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2021-22986 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-22986?

CVE-2021-22986 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-22986

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2021-22986

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:94.48%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:100.0th

Official Description

F5 BIG-IP and BIG-IQ Centralized Management contain a remote code execution vulnerability in the iControl REST interface that allows unauthenticated attackers with network access to execute system commands, create or delete files, and disable services.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

F5 BIG-IP and BIG-IQ Centralized Management iControl REST 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

F5 BIG-IP and BIG-IQ Centralized Management are vulnerable to remote code execution via the iControl REST interface. This allows unauthenticated attackers to execute system commands, manipulate files, and disable services. The high EPSS score of 0.94485 indicates a very high probability of exploitation, requiring immediate attention.

This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is included in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its active use by attackers. It is remotely exploitable without authentication.

Recommended Action

Apply the latest security updates and patches for F5 BIG-IP and BIG-IQ Centralized Management to mitigate this critical remote code execution vulnerability.

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-2021-22986 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-2021-22986 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.