CVE-2021-32760

What it is

containerd is a container runtime. A bug was found in containerd versions prior to 1.4.8 and 1.5.4 where pulling and extracting a specially-crafted container image can result in Unix file permission changes for existing files in the host’s filesystem. Changes to file permissions can deny access to the expected owner of the file, widen access to others, or set extended bits like setuid, setgid, and sticky. This bug does not directly allow files to be read, modified, or executed without an additional cooperating process. This bug has been fixed in containerd 1.5.4 and 1.4.8. As a workaround, ensure that users only pull images from trusted sources. Linux security modules (LSMs) like SELinux and AppArmor can limit the files potentially affected by this bug through policies and profiles that prevent containerd from interacting with specific files.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

1.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-07-19 21:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:53 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.0 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-07-19 21:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:53 UTC

Exploit probability

1.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-668 · Resource exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linuxfoundation Containerd < 1.4.8
• Linuxfoundation Containerd < 1.5.4
• Fedoraproject Fedora 34

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.0

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

Low

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-2021-32760.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-32760. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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