CVE-2021-40531

Name: CVE-2021-40531
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-09-06T21:15:07.37+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 32.77%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-40531 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Sketch before 75 allows library feeds to be used to bypass file quarantine. Files are automatically downloaded and opened, without the com.apple.quarantine extended attribute. EPSS estimates a 32.77% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Sketch before 75 allows library feeds to be used to bypass file quarantine. Files are automatically downloaded and opened, without the com.apple.quarantine extended attribute. This results in remote code execution, as demonstrated by CommandString in a terminal profile to Terminal.app.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

32.77%

98.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-434

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Sketch	Sketch	< 75

References

https://jonpalmisc.com/2021/11/22/cve-2021-40531Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.sketch.com/updates/#version-75Patch, Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://jonpalmisc.com/2021/11/22/cve-2021-40531Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://www.sketch.com/updates/#version-75Patch, Release Notes, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Sep 6, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-40531?

How severe is CVE-2021-40531?

CVE-2021-40531 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 32.77% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40531?

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-2021-40531?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST