CVE-2021-44515 Zoho Desktop Central Authentication Bypass

Exploited in the wild Critical 9.8 Published 12 Dec 2021 Updated 21 Oct 2025

Attackers can bypass authentication to execute remote code on Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central servers, requiring immediate upgrades.

Exploited in the wild: Since 10 Dec 2021
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-44515?

CVE-2021-44515 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in n/a, published on 12 Dec 2021. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official 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.

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-44515?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Zohocorp Manageengine Desktop Central.

How do I fix CVE-2021-44515?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-44515 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 24 Dec 2021.

Upgrade, and rotate credentials and sessions that may have been exposed. More about Authentication bypass.

Is CVE-2021-44515 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2021-44515 in the wild since at least 10 Dec 2021.

Public exploit code: 1 Nuclei template.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-wrwj-r75g-4vx9.