CVE-2021-21551
HighExploitedPublic exploitDell dbutil_2_3.sys driver contains an insufficient access control vulnerability which may lead to escalation of privileges, denial of service, or information disclosure.
Published May 7, 2021 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-21551 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Dbutil (Dell).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 31, 2022. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 79% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Dbutil <=2.3, Dbutil 2.3.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
79%
Higher than 99.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2021-21551 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Dell dbutil_2_3.sys driver contains an insufficient access control vulnerability which may lead to escalation of privileges, denial of service, or information disclosure. Local authenticated user access is required.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 31, 2022 | Apr 21, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 31, 2022 | Apr 21, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 31, 2022 | Apr 21, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 31, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| DbutilDell | >= 2.3 | 2.3 |
Patched Releases
Dbutil
<=2.3
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 7, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 31, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 31, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 31, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 31, 2022
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-782 Exposed IOCTL with Insufficient Access Control
References
- advisoryhttps://research.checkpoint.com/2021/pwn2own-qualcomm-dsp
- advisoryhttps://threatpost.com/dont-trust-android-oem-patching-claims-researcher/131183/
- advisoryhttps://threatpost.com/qualcomm-chip-bug-android-eavesdropping/165934/
- advisoryhttps://www.androidpolice.com/2021/05/06/qualcomm-modem-vulnerability-could-let-hackers-listen-to-your-calls-on-millions-of-android-phones/
- advisoryhttps://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000186019/dsa-2021-088-dell-client-platform-security-update-for-dell-driver-insufficient-access-control-vulnerability
FAQ
Common Questions.
Dell dbutil_2_3.sys driver contains an insufficient access control vulnerability which may lead to escalation of privileges, denial of service, or information disclosure.
Affected: Dbutil (Dell) versions >= 2.3. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 31, 2022.
Yes. It was added on Mar 31, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 21, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Dbutil <=2.3, Dbutil 2.3.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2021-21551 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo