# CVE-2021-32084: Quest KACE SMA access control bypass in API endpoints

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2021-32084-quest-kace-sma-access-control-bypass-in-api-endpoints  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-27. Updated: 2026-07-27  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2021-32084 · Severity: info · CVSS 0 · Published 2026-07-27

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) contains a security flaw where network access restrictions applied to the web management console do not apply to the application's API. If an attacker obtains valid credentials or API keys, they can bypass IP-based access controls to manage the appliance remotely. This could lead to a full compromise of the KACE environment, potentially allowing unauthorized changes to managed systems across the organization.

Technologies: [Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/kace-systems-management-appliance). Vendors: [Quest](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/quest).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2021-32084 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2021-32084 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2021-32084?** Informational severity, with a CVSS score of 0, published 27 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance 11.0.273.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2021-32084?** A patch was published on 2021-07-01: Resolved in version 11.1 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2021-32084 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2021-32084?** Check whether you run Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

An access control bypass vulnerability exists in Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) version 11.0.273. While the appliance allows administrators to restrict web console access to specific IP addresses or subnets, these restrictions are not enforced on API endpoints. An attacker with valid credentials or API keys can interact with the API from any network location, bypassing intended perimeter or host-based access controls. This allows for unauthorized administrative actions and potential environment-wide compromise. The issue is resolved in KACE SMA version 11.1.

## Affected products

- Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) 11.0.273

## Timeline

- 2021-07-01: disclosed: Initial internal KB article creation date
- 2026-07-27: advisory: NVD publication date
- 2021-07-01: patched: Resolved in version 11.1

## References

- [https://support.quest.com/download-product-select](https://support.quest.com/download-product-select)
- [https://support.quest.com/kace-systems-management-appliance/kb/4293505/quest-response-to-criticalstart-vulnerability-report](https://support.quest.com/kace-systems-management-appliance/kb/4293505/quest-response-to-criticalstart-vulnerability-report)

## Related threats

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