CVE-2021-21999
7.8 · HIGHOverview
CVE-2021-21999 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting vmware app_volumes. It was published on June 23, 2021 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH).
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.
Technical Description
VMware Tools for Windows (11.x.y prior to 11.2.6), VMware Remote Console for Windows (12.x prior to 12.0.1) , VMware App Volumes (2.x prior to 2.18.10 and 4 prior to 2103) contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability. An attacker with normal access to a virtual machine may exploit this issue by placing a malicious file renamed as `openssl.cnf' in an unrestricted directory which would allow code to be executed with elevated privileges.
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from vmware. Update app_volumes to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| vmware | app_volumes | >= 2.0, < 2.18.10 | Affected |
| vmware | remote_console | >= 12.0.0, < 12.0.1 | Affected |
| vmware | tools | >= 11.0.0, < 11.2.6 | Affected |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2021-21999?
CVE-2021-21999 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting vmware app_volumes. It was published on June 23, 2021 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH).
How severe is CVE-2021-21999?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2021-21999?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from vmware. Update app_volumes to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2021-21999?
CyberStrike's AI-powered security agents can automatically detect CVE-2021-21999 across your infrastructure using autonomous pentesting, DAST scanning, and HackBrowser. The platform continuously monitors for known vulnerabilities and provides actionable remediation guidance prioritized by real-world exploitability.
How CyberStrike Helps
AI agents map your attack surface to find vulnerabilities like this one.
Automated penetration testing that runs continuously, not just quarterly.
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Browser-based exploitation validates findings with real proof-of-concept.
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