CVE-2021-23240

What it is

selinux_edit_copy_tfiles in sudoedit in Sudo before 1.9.5 allows a local unprivileged user to gain file ownership and escalate privileges by replacing a temporary file with a symlink to an arbitrary file target. This affects SELinux RBAC support in permissive mode. Machines without SELinux are not vulnerable.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-01-12 09:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:38 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-01-12 09:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:38 UTC

Exploit probability

1.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-59

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Sudo Project Sudo < 1.8.32
• Sudo Project Sudo < 1.9.5
• Netapp Hci Management Node
• Netapp Solidfire
• Fedoraproject Fedora 32
• Fedoraproject Fedora 33

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2021-23240.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-23240. 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