CVE-2021-31523

Name: CVE-2021-31523
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-04-21T19:15:35.877+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.32%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-31523 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The Debian xscreensaver 5.42+dfsg1-1 package for XScreenSaver has cap_net_raw enabled for the /usr/libexec/xscreensaver/sonar file, which allows local users to gain privileges because this is arguably incompatible with the design of the Mesa 3D Graphics library dependency.. EPSS estimates a 0.32% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The Debian xscreensaver 5.42+dfsg1-1 package for XScreenSaver has cap_net_raw enabled for the /usr/libexec/xscreensaver/sonar file, which allows local users to gain privileges because this is arguably incompatible with the design of the Mesa 3D Graphics library dependency.

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

0.32%

23.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-269

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Xscreensaver Project	Xscreensaver	5.42\+dfsg1-1

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/04/21/3Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/04/17/1Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/04/21/3Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/04/17/1Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Apr 21, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-31523?

How severe is CVE-2021-31523?

CVE-2021-31523 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.32% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-31523?

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-2021-31523?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST