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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2023-21529

HighExploitedPublic exploit

Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Feb 23, 2023 · Updated Aug 19, 2026 · Also known as TR-23-0085

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2023-21529 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Exchange Server (Microsoft), Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 23, Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 23 and 2 more products.
  • It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 6, 2026 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 59% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including Exchange Server 15.00.1497.047, Exchange Server 15.01.2507.021, Exchange Server 15.02.0986.041.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

8.8

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

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

59%

Higher than 99.1% 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-2023-21529 brief as a PDF

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Description

Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
CISA KEVApr 13, 2026Apr 27, 2026Known
Industry KEV feedApr 6, 2026Apr 27, 2026Known
CIRCL KEVApr 13, 2026Apr 27, 2026Not reported
ENISA EUVDApr 13, 2026n/aNot reported

Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Products

11 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
Exchange ServerMicrosoft2013-cumulative_update_23, 2016-cumulative_update_23, 2019-cumulative_update_11, 2019-cumulative_update_1215.02.0986.041
Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 23>= 15.00.015.00.1497.047
Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 23>= 15.01.015.01.2507.021
Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 11>= 15.02.015.02.0986.041
Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 12>= 15.02.015.02.1118.025

Patched Releases

Exchange Server

15.00.1497.047, 15.01.2507.021, 15.02.0986.041, 15.02.1118.025

Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 23

15.00.1497.047

Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 23

15.01.2507.021

Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 11

15.02.0986.041

Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 12

15.02.1118.025

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Feb 23, 2023

  2. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Apr 6, 2026

  3. Added to CISA KEV

    Apr 13, 2026

  4. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Apr 13, 2026

  5. Added to ENISA EUVD

    Apr 13, 2026

  6. Last updated

    Aug 19, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data

References

15 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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