MEDIUM
CVE-2021-3453
CWE-693Published: July 16, 2021· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
4.6
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Some Lenovo Notebook, ThinkPad, and Lenovo Desktop systems have BIOS modules unprotected by Intel Boot Guard that could allow an attacker with physical access the ability to write to the SPI flash storage.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-3453 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in full integrity compromise (data manipulation), with a CVSS base score of 4.6.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorPhysical
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
Lenovo42 product(s)
thinkpad helix firmwarethinkpad helixthinkpad t550 firmwarethinkpad t550thinkpad w550s firmwarethinkpad w550sthinkpad x1 carbon 3rd gen firmwarethinkpad x1 carbon 3rd genthinkpad x250 firmwarethinkpad x250thinkpad yoga 15 firmwarethinkpad yoga 15+30
Source: NVD CPE · 42 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (2)
→
https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/LEN-65529Vendor Advisory
→
https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/LEN-65529Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2021-3453
CVSS Score4.6 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-693
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJul 16, 2021
Related CVEs (CWE-693)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-3453 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.