CVE-2021-20001: It was discovered, that debian-edu-config, a set of configuration files used for the Debian Edu blend, before

Q: How do I fix CVE-2021-20001?

debian-edu-config: upgrade to 2.12.16; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2021-20001 being exploited?

CVE-2021-20001 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2021-20001 affect?

CVE-2021-20001 affects debian-edu-config, debian linux. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). It was discovered, that debian-edu-config, a set of configuration files used for the Debian Edu blend, before 2.12.16 configured insecure permissions for the user web shares (~/public_html), which could result in privilege escalation.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2021-20001?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2021-20001 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting debian-edu-config, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

It was discovered, that debian-edu-config, a set of configuration files used for the Debian Edu blend, before 2.12.16 configured insecure permissions for the user web shares (~/public_html), which could result in privilege escalation.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 24%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-276
Published	2022-02-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Debian GNU/Linux · Vendor: debian · skolelinux

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-02-11 20:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:33 UTCUpdated Record last modified

skolelinux debian-edu-config UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.12.16

Fixed in: 2.12.16

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy debian-edu-config || rpm -q debian-edu-config || debian-edu-config --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.12.16 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade debian-edu-config

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade debian-edu-config

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 9.0 · 10.0 · 11.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2021-20001?

debian-edu-config: upgrade to 2.12.16; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-20001 being exploited?

CVE-2021-20001 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2021-20001 affect?

CVE-2021-20001 affects debian-edu-config, debian linux. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). It was discovered, that debian-edu-config, a set of configuration files used for the Debian Edu blend, before 2.12.16 configured insecure permissions for the user web shares (~/public_html), which could result in privilege escalation.

How urgent is CVE-2021-20001?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

References

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