CVE-2021-21983
MediumExploitedPublic exploitArbitrary file write vulnerability in vRealize Operations Manager API (CVE-2021-21983) prior to 8.4 may allow an authenticated malicious actor with network access to the vRealize Operations Manager API can write files to arbitrary locations on the underlying photon operating…
Published May 4, 2021 · Updated Aug 12, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-21983 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.5 v3.1) affecting Cloud Foundation (Vmware), Vrealize Operations Manager (Vmware), Vrealize Suite Lifecycle Manager (Vmware) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV since Oct 7, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 69% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
6.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
69%
Higher than 99.3% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
2 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2021-21983 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Arbitrary file write vulnerability in vRealize Operations Manager API (CVE-2021-21983) prior to 8.4 may allow an authenticated malicious actor with network access to the vRealize Operations Manager API can write files to arbitrary locations on the underlying photon operating system.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 7, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Aug 12, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
28 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud FoundationVmware | 3.0, 3.0.1, 3.0.1.1, 3.10, 3.5, 3.5.1, 3.7, 3.7.1 | n/a |
| Vrealize Operations ManagerVmware | 7.0.0, 7.5.0, 8.0.0, 8.0.1, 8.1.0, 8.1.1, 8.2.0, 8.3.0 | n/a |
| Vrealize Suite Lifecycle ManagerVmware | 8.0, 8.0.1, 8.1, 8.2 | n/a |
| VMware vRealize Operations | >= VMware vRealize Operations prior to 8.4 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 4, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 7, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Aug 12, 2026
Last updated
Aug 12, 2026
References
- advisoryhttps://cxsecurity.com/issue/WLB-2021040176
- advisoryhttps://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework
- advisoryhttps://metasploit.com/download
- advisoryhttps://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/116216/security/vmware-vrops-flaws.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vmware-vrops-flaws
- advisoryhttps://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/116233/security/vmware-carbon-black-cloud-flaw.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vmware-carbon-black-cloud-flaw
FAQ
Common Questions.
Arbitrary file write vulnerability in vRealize Operations Manager API (CVE-2021-21983) prior to 8.4 may allow an authenticated malicious actor with network access to the vRealize Operations Manager API can write files to arbitrary locations on the underlying photon operating system.
Affected: Cloud Foundation (Vmware) versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 3.0.1.1, 3.10, 3.5, 3.5.1, 3.7, 3.7.1; Vrealize Operations Manager (Vmware) versions 7.0.0, 7.5.0, 8.0.0, 8.0.1, 8.1.0, 8.1.1, 8.2.0, 8.3.0; Vrealize Suite Lifecycle Manager (Vmware) versions 8.0, 8.0.1, 8.1, 8.2, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV since Oct 7, 2021.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2021-21983 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