CVE-2021-23874
HighExploitedPublic exploitArbitrary Process Execution vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code bypassing MTP self-defense.
Published Feb 10, 2021 · Updated Nov 3, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-23874 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Total Protection (Mcafee), McAfee Total Protection (MTP).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 1.0% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Total Protection 16.0.30, McAfee Total Protection (MTP) 16.0.30.
- 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)
1.0%
Higher than 62.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Arbitrary Process Execution vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code bypassing MTP self-defense.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | Nov 17, 2021 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | Nov 17, 2021 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | Nov 17, 2021 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Total ProtectionMcafee | See advisory | 16.0.30 |
| McAfee Total Protection (MTP) | >= unspecified | 16.0.30 |
Patched Releases
Total Protection
16.0.30
McAfee Total Protection (MTP)
16.0.30
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 10, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Nov 3, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management
- CWE-732 Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
Arbitrary Process Execution vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code bypassing MTP self-defense.
Affected: Total Protection (Mcafee); McAfee Total Protection (MTP) versions >= unspecified. 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 Nov 3, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of Nov 17, 2021.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Total Protection 16.0.30, McAfee Total Protection (MTP) 16.0.30.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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