CVE-2021-20023
SonicWall Email Security contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows a post-authenticated attacker to read files on the remote host. This…
Browse: All 2021 CVEs · All vendors
- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2021-11-03, remediation due 2021-11-17)
- Ransomware
- Known ransomware campaign use
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-22
Description
SonicWall Email Security contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows a post-authenticated attacker to read files on the remote host. This vulnerability has known usage in a SonicWall Email Security exploit chain along with CVE-2021-20021 and CVE-2021-20022 to achieve privilege escalation.
Affected products
- SonicWall SonicWall Email Security
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2021-11-17.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score.
FAQ
Is CVE-2021-20023 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2021-20023 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2021-11-03, with a federal remediation deadline of 2021-11-17. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-20023?
CVE-2021-20023 has no published CVSS base score yet — NVD analysis can lag disclosure. Check the vendor references for an interim severity.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2021-20021 — SonicWall SonicWall Email Security
- CVE-2021-20022 — SonicWall SonicWall Email Security
- CVE-2026-15409 — SonicWall SMA1000 Appliances
- CVE-2026-15410 — SonicWall SMA1000 Appliances
- CVE-2025-40602 — SonicWall SMA1000 appliance
- CVE-2023-44221 — SonicWall SMA100 Appliances
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
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