PatchTheCVECVE-2021-22038: On Windows, the uninstaller binary copies itself to a fixed temporary location, which is then executed (the or
CVE-2021-22038 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting installbuilder. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
On Windows, the uninstaller binary copies itself to a fixed temporary location, which is then executed (the originally called uninstaller exits, so it does not block the installation directory). This temporary location is not randomized and does not restrict access to Administrators only so a potential attacker could plant a binary to replace the copied binary right before it gets called, thus gaining Administrator privileges (if the original uni
Why this priority
- High severity
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 8.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.0% (top 37%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-330 |
| Published | 2021-10-29 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2021-22038?
installbuilder: upgrade to 21.6.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-22038 being exploited?
CVE-2021-22038 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2021-22038 affect?
CVE-2021-22038 affects installbuilder. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). On Windows, the uninstaller binary copies itself to a fixed temporary location, which is then executed (the originally called uninstaller exits, so it does not block the installation directory). This temporary location is not randomized and
How urgent is CVE-2021-22038?
Priority 46/100. High severity
Software pages
Windows vulnerabilities · VMware vulnerabilities
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