CVE-2023-28101: Flatpak is a system for building, distributing, and running sandboxed desktop applications on Linux. In versions prior to 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and ...

Description

Flatpak is a system for building, distributing, and running sandboxed desktop applications on Linux. In versions prior to 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and 1.15.4, if an attacker publishes a Flatpak app with elevated permissions, they can hide those permissions from users of the `flatpak(1)` command-line interface by setting other permissions to crafted values that contain non-printable control characters such as `ESC`. A fix is available in versions 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and 1.15.4. As a workaround, use a GUI like GNOME Software rather than the command-line interface, or only install apps whose maintainers you trust.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

4.3/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.89%

54.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-116

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Flatpak	Flatpak	< 1.10.8
Flatpak	Flatpak	>= 1.12.0, < 1.12.8
Flatpak	Flatpak	>= 1.14.0, < 1.14.4
Flatpak	Flatpak	>= 1.15.0, < 1.15.4

References

Timeline

Published: Mar 16, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-28101?

Flatpak is a system for building, distributing, and running sandboxed desktop applications on Linux. In versions prior to 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and 1.15.4, if an attacker publishes a Flatpak app with elevated permissions, they can hide those permissions from users of the `flatpak(1)` command-line interface by setting other permissions to crafted values that contain non-printable control characters such as `ESC`. A fix is available in versions 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and 1.15.4. As a workaround, use a GUI like GNOME Software rather than the command-line interface, or only install apps whose maintainers you trust.

How severe is CVE-2023-28101?

CVE-2023-28101 has a CVSS score of 4.3/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.89% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-28101?

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.