CVE-2021-3521

4.7 MEDIUM 0.3% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

There is a flaw in RPM's signature functionality. OpenPGP subkeys are associated with a primary key via a "binding signature." RPM does not check the binding signature of subkeys prior to importing them. If an attacker is able to add or socially engineer another party to add a malicious subkey to a legitimate public key, RPM could wrongly trust a malicious signature. The greatest impact of this flaw is to data integrity. To exploit this flaw, an attacker must either compromise an RPM repository or convince an administrator to install an untrusted RPM or public key. It is strongly recommended to only use RPMs and public keys from trusted sources.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of 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

2022-08-22 15:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 04:05 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: 4.7 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2022-08-22 15:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 04:05 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-347
Record status: Modified

Affected

Rpm < 4.17.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.7

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

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/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-2021-3521.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-3521. 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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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record