CVE-2021-20197

6.3 MEDIUM 0.3% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

There is an open race window when writing output in the following utilities in GNU binutils version 2.35 and earlier:ar, objcopy, strip, ranlib. When these utilities are run as a privileged user (presumably as part of a script updating binaries across different users), an unprivileged user can trick these utilities into getting ownership of arbitrary files through a symlink.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.
Exploit odds: 0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2021-03-26 17:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 03:33 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 6.3 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2021-03-26 17:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 03:33 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-59
Record status: Modified

Affected

Gnu Binutils ≤ 2.35
Redhat Enterprise Linux 8.0
Netapp Cloud Backup
Netapp Ontap Select Deploy Administration Utility
Netapp Solidfire \& Hci Management Node
Broadcom Brocade Fabric Operating System Firmware

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.3

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: High
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: High
Availability: None

Raw vector

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

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2021-20197.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-20197. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

· More options · Status badge

Download Square Reddit

Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record