CVE-2021-21367

What it is

Switchboard Bluetooth Plug for elementary OS from version 2.3.0 and before version version 2.3.5 has an incorrect authorization vulnerability. When the Bluetooth plug is running (in discoverable mode), Bluetooth service requests and pairing requests are automatically accepted, allowing physically proximate attackers to pair with a device running an affected version of switchboard-plug-bluetooth without the active consent of the user. By default, elementary OS doesn't expose any services via Bluetooth that allow information to be extracted by paired Bluetooth devices. However, if such services (i.e. contact list sharing software) have been installed, it's possible that attackers have been able to extract data from such services without authorization. If no such services have been installed, attackers are only able to pair with a device running an affected version without authorization and then play audio out of the device or possibly present a HID device (keyboard, mouse, etc...) to control the device. As such, users should check the list of trusted/paired devices and remove any that are not 100% confirmed to be genuine. This is fixed in version 2.3.5. To reduce the likelihood of this vulnerability on an unpatched version, only open the Bluetooth plug for short intervals when absolutely necessary and preferably not in crowded public areas. To mitigate the risk entirely with unpatched versions, do not open the Bluetooth plug within switchboard at all, and use a different method for pairing devices if necessary (e.g. `bluetoothctl` CLI).

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited from the same network segment without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2021-03-12 17:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:35 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.1 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-03-12 17:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:35 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-863 · Incorrect authorization

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Elementary Switchboard Bluetooth Plug < 2.3.5
• Fedoraproject Fedora 32
• Fedoraproject Fedora 33

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.1

Attack vector

Adjacent network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

None

Availability

Low

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-2021-21367.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-21367. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge