Skip to content
Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2021-34473

CriticalExploitedPublic exploit

Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Sep 14, 2022 · Updated Aug 10, 2026 · Also known as Proxy Shell, ProxyShell

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2021-34473 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Exchange Server (Microsoft).
  • It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 30, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including Exchange Server 15.00.1497.015, Exchange Server 15.01.2176.012, Exchange Server 15.01.2242.008.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

9.8

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

100%

Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

Yes

4 catalog listings, used by ransomware

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2021-34473 brief as a PDF

Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.

Description

Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
CISA KEVNov 3, 2021Nov 17, 2021Known
Industry KEV feedAug 30, 2021Nov 17, 2021Known
CIRCL KEVNov 3, 2021Nov 17, 2021Known
ENISA EUVDNov 3, 2021n/aNot reported

Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Affected Products

5 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
Exchange ServerMicrosoft2013-cumulative_update_23, 2016-cumulative_update_19, 2016-cumulative_update_20, 2019-cumulative_update_8, 2019-cumulative_update_915.00.1497.015

Patched Releases

Exchange Server

15.00.1497.015, 15.01.2176.012, 15.01.2242.008, 15.02.0792.013, 15.02.0858.010

Timeline

  1. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Aug 30, 2021

  2. Added to CISA KEV

    Nov 3, 2021

  3. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Nov 3, 2021

  4. Added to ENISA EUVD

    Nov 3, 2021

  5. Publicly disclosed

    Sep 14, 2022

  6. Last updated

    Aug 10, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-918 Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

References

15 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

Is CVE-2021-34473 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