CVE-2021-3560

Name: CVE-2021-3560
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-02-16T19:15:08.45+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 22.19%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-3560 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. It was found that polkit could be tricked into bypassing the credential checks for D-Bus requests, elevating the privileges of the requestor to the root user. This flaw could be used by an unprivileged local attacker to, for example, create a new local administrator. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 22.19% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

It was found that polkit could be tricked into bypassing the credential checks for D-Bus requests, elevating the privileges of the requestor to the root user. This flaw could be used by an unprivileged local attacker to, for example, create a new local administrator. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity as well as system availability.

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

22.19%

97.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Jun 2, 2023.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Polkit Project	Polkit	< 0.119
Debian	Debian Linux	11.0
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	20.04
Redhat	Virtualization	4.0
Redhat	Virtualization Host	4.0
Redhat	Openshift Container Platform	4.7

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172836/polkit-Authentication-Bypass.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172846/Facebook-Fizz-Denial-Of-Service.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1961710Issue Tracking, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.blog/2021-06-10-privilege-escalation-polkit-root-on-linux-with-bug/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172836/polkit-Authentication-Bypass.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172846/Facebook-Fizz-Denial-Of-Service.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1961710Issue Tracking, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.blog/2021-06-10-privilege-escalation-polkit-root-on-linux-with-bug/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-3560US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Feb 16, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-3560?

How severe is CVE-2021-3560?

CVE-2021-3560 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 22.19% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2021-3560?

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-2021-3560?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST