CVE-2021-36286

7.1 HIGH 0.3% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

Dell SupportAssist Client Consumer versions 3.9.13.0 and any versions prior to 3.9.13.0 contain an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability that can be exploited by using the Windows feature of NTFS called Symbolic links. Symbolic links can be created by any(non-privileged) user under some object directories, but by themselves are not sufficient to successfully escalate privileges. However, combining them with a different object, such as the NTFS junction point allows for the exploitation. Support assist clean files functionality do not distinguish junction points from the physical folder and proceeds to clean the target of the junction that allows nonprivileged users to create junction points and delete arbitrary files on the system which can be accessed only by the admin.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2021-09-28 20:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 03:58 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 7.1 HIGH (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2021-09-28 20:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 03:58 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-22 · Path traversal
Record status: Modified

Affected

Dell Supportassist Client Consumer ≤ 3.9.13.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.1

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: None
Integrity: High
Availability: High

Raw vector

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

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2021-36286.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-36286. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record