CVE-2021-35523: Securepoint SSL VPN Client v2 before 2.0.32 on Windows has unsafe configuration handling that enables local pr

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2021-35523 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting openvpn-client. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Securepoint SSL VPN Client v2 before 2.0.32 on Windows has unsafe configuration handling that enables local privilege escalation to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM. A non-privileged local user can modify the OpenVPN configuration stored under "%APPDATA%\Securepoint SSL VPN" and add a external script file that is executed as privileged user.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 46%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-269
Published	2021-06-28
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: securepoint

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-06-28 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

securepoint openvpn-client UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.0.15 and < 2.0.32

Fixed in: 2.0.32

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.15

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy openvpn-client || rpm -q openvpn-client || openvpn-client --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.0.32 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade openvpn-client

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade openvpn-client

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.15 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison openvpn-client sudo apt install openvpn-client=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.15> sudo apt-mark hold openvpn-client

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list openvpn-client sudo dnf downgrade openvpn-client-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.15> sudo dnf versionlock add openvpn-client

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
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-2021-35523?

openvpn-client: upgrade to 2.0.32. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-35523 being exploited?

CVE-2021-35523 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-2021-35523 affect?

CVE-2021-35523 affects openvpn-client. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Securepoint SSL VPN Client v2 before 2.0.32 on Windows has unsafe configuration handling that enables local privilege escalation to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM. A non-privileged local user can modify the OpenVPN configuration stored under "%APPDATA

How urgent is CVE-2021-35523?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities · OpenVPN vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-47101 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE The installer (aka openvpn-client-installer) in Securepoint SSL VPN Client before 2.0.40 allows local privileg
CVE-2021-27406 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE An attacker can take leverage on PerFact OpenVPN-Client versions 1.4.1.0 and prior to send the config command

References

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