CVE-2021-44515
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitZoho ManageEngine Desktop Central is vulnerable to authentication bypass, leading to remote code execution on the server, as exploited in the wild in December 2021.
Published Jan 18, 2022 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-44515 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Manageengine Desktop Central (Zohocorp).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 10, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Manageengine Desktop Central 10.1.2127.18.
- 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
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2021-44515 brief as a PDF
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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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Dec 10, 2021 | Dec 24, 2021 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 10, 2021 | Dec 24, 2021 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Dec 10, 2021 | Dec 24, 2021 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Dec 10, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Manageengine Desktop CentralZohocorp | See advisory | 10.1.2127.18 |
Patched Releases
Manageengine Desktop Central
10.1.2127.18
Timeline
Added to CISA KEV
Dec 10, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 10, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Dec 10, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Dec 10, 2021
Publicly disclosed
Jan 18, 2022
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
References
- advisoryhttps://maps.shodan.io/#16.720385051693988/3.515625/3/satellite/http.title:%22manageengine%20desktop%20central%22
- advisoryhttps://pitstop.manageengine.com/portal/en/community/topic/a-critical-security-patch-released-in-desktop-central-and-desktop-central-msp-for-cve-2021-44757-17-1-2022
- advisoryhttps://pitstop.manageengine.com/portal/en/community/topic/an-authentication-bypass-vulnerability-identified-and-fixed-in-desktop-central-and-desktop-central-msp
- advisoryhttps://securityaffairs.co/
- advisoryhttps://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/125400/security/sonicwall-sma-100-devices-flaws.html
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: Manageengine Desktop Central (Zohocorp). 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 Dec 10, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Dec 10, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of Dec 24, 2021.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Manageengine Desktop Central 10.1.2127.18.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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