Code execution via ECP arbitrary file write
Published Mar 2, 2021 · Updated Aug 19, 2026
Arbitrary file write in Microsoft Exchange Server 2013, 2016, and 2019 allows remote authenticated users to execute code through ECP requests. ECP fails to constrain virtual-directory URL properties, letting crafted Set-OabVirtualDirectory data traverse to a web-accessible path and persist attacker-controlled ASPX content. Authenticated ECP access is required; observed ProxyLogon attacks supplied that context through a separate flaw and used the written web shell for persistent server control.
Summary
What happened
Arbitrary file write in Microsoft Exchange Server 2013, 2016, and 2019 allows remote authenticated users to execute code through ECP requests. ECP fails to constrain virtual-directory URL properties, letting crafted Set-OabVirtualDirectory data traverse to a web-accessible path and persist attacker-controlled ASPX content. Authenticated ECP access is required; observed ProxyLogon attacks supplied that context through a separate flaw and used the written web shell for persistent server control.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2021-27065
- Published
- Mar 2, 2021
- Updated
- Aug 19, 2026
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 22
- Classifications
- CWE-22, T1190, T1505.003
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jan 1, 2021Exploitation reportedHAFNIUM exploitation of on-premises Exchange Server
- Mar 2, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 19, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=15.00.0 <15.00.1473.006
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Microsoft Exchange ProxyLogon Remote Code Executionproof of concept · unverified
- Microsoft Exchange ProxyLogon Collectorproof of concept · unverified
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Reported exploitation
- HAFNIUM exploitation of on-premises Exchange Serverthreat actor
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog listingknown exploited catalog
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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