CVE-2021-29428: In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to c...

Description

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property `java.io.tmpdir`. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.53%

40.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Gradle	Gradle	< 7.0
Quarkus	Quarkus	<= 2.2.3

References

https://docs.gradle.org/7.0/release-notes.html#security-advisoriesRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/pull/15240Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/pull/15654Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/security/advisories/GHSA-89qm-pxvm-p336Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://docs.gradle.org/7.0/release-notes.html#security-advisoriesRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/pull/15240Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/pull/15654Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/security/advisories/GHSA-89qm-pxvm-p336Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Apr 13, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-29428?

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property `java.io.tmpdir`. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

How severe is CVE-2021-29428?

CVE-2021-29428 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.53% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-29428?

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.