CVE-2021-20206

Name: CVE-2021-20206
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-03-26T22:15:12.617+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.2/10EPSS 1.52%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-20206 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.2/10 on the CVSS scale. An improper limitation of path name flaw was found in containernetworking/cni in versions before 0.8.1. When specifying the plugin to load in the 'type' field in the network configuration, it is possible to use special elements such as "../" separators to reference binaries elsewhere on the system. EPSS estimates a 1.52% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An improper limitation of path name flaw was found in containernetworking/cni in versions before 0.8.1. When specifying the plugin to load in the 'type' field in the network configuration, it is possible to use special elements such as "../" separators to reference binaries elsewhere on the system. This flaw allows an attacker to execute other existing binaries other than the cni plugins/types, such as 'reboot'. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to confidentiality, integrity, as well as system availability.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.2/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.52%

71.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linuxfoundation	Container Network Interface	< 0.8.1

References

https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1919391Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-GOLANG-GITHUBCOMCONTAINERNETWORKINGCNIPKGINVOKE-1070549Third Party Advisory
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1919391Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-GOLANG-GITHUBCOMCONTAINERNETWORKINGCNIPKGINVOKE-1070549Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 26, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-20206?

How severe is CVE-2021-20206?

CVE-2021-20206 has a CVSS score of 7.2/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.52% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20206?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-20206?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST