CVE-2021-44515
Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central is vulnerable to authentication bypass, leading to remote code execution on the server, as exploited in the wild…
Browse: All 2021 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 9.8 Critical
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2021-12-10, remediation due 2021-12-24)
- Published
- 2021-12-12
- Last modified
- 2026-06-17
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central is vulnerable to authentication bypass, leading to remote code execution on the server, as exploited in the wild in December 2021. For Enterprise builds 10.1.2127.17 and earlier, upgrade to 10.1.2127.18. For Enterprise builds 10.1.2128.0 through 10.1.2137.2, upgrade to 10.1.2137.3. For MSP builds 10.1.2127.17 and earlier, upgrade to 10.1.2127.18. For MSP builds 10.1.2128.0 through 10.1.2137.2, upgrade to 10.1.2137.3.
Affected products
- zohocorp manageengine desktop central
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2021-12-24.
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. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.
References
- https://pitstop.manageengine.com/portal/en/community/topic/an-authentication-bypass-vulnerability-identified-and-fixed-in-desktop-central-and-desktop-central-msp
- https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/current-activity/2021/12/10/cisa-adds-thirteen-known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog
- https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/cve-2021-44515-authentication-bypass-filter-configuration.html
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-44515
FAQ
Is CVE-2021-44515 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2021-44515 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2021-12-10, with a federal remediation deadline of 2021-12-24. 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-2021-44515?
CVE-2021-44515 has a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2022-28810 — Zoho ManageEngine
- CVE-2022-47966 — Zoho ManageEngine
- CVE-2022-35405 — Zoho ManageEngine
- CVE-2021-37415 — Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus (SDP)
- CVE-2021-44077 — Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus (SDP) /
- CVE-2021-40539 — Zoho ManageEngine
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
kev brief
Patch what's actually being exploited.
Subscribe and get the KEV Patch Priority Playbook, free, in your inbox now.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Delivered by Beehiiv.