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CVE-2021-20271: A flaw was found in RPM's signature check functionality when reading a package file

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This month
HIGH 7.0WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2021-20271 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.0) affecting rpm, enterprise linux, fedora. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A flaw was found in RPM's signature check functionality when reading a package file. This flaw allows an attacker who can convince a victim to install a seemingly verifiable package, whose signature header was modified, to cause RPM database corruption and execute code. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data integrity, confidentiality, and system availability.

Why this priority

  • High severity
  • On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score7.0 (High)
Attack vectorLocal
Attack complexityHigh
Privileges neededNone
User interactionRequired
EPSS exploit chance0.8% (top 44%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-345
Published2021-03-26
Last modified2026-06-17
Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: fedoraproject · redhat · rpm · starwindsoftware

Share: LinkedIn · X · Reddit

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

rpm rpm UPGRADE
Affected: >= 4.15.0 and < 4.15.1.3 · >= 4.16.0 and < 4.16.1.3 · 4.15.0 alpha · 4.15.0 beta1 · 4.15.0 rc1 · 4.16.0 alpha · 4.16.0 beta2 · 4.16.0 beta3
Fixed in: 4.15.1.3, 4.16.1.3
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.15.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy rpm || rpm -q rpm || rpm --version
2. UPGRADE to 4.15.1.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade rpm
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade rpm
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.15.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison rpm sudo apt install rpm=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.15.0> sudo apt-mark hold rpm
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list rpm sudo dnf downgrade rpm-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.15.0> sudo dnf versionlock add rpm
Downgrade risk
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
redhat enterprise linux MITIGATE
Affected: 8.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0
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.
fedoraproject fedora MITIGATE
Affected: 32 · 33 · 34
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 32
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.
starwindsoftware starwind virtual san DOWNGRADE
Affected: v8 build14398
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before v8
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy starwind-virtual-san || rpm -q starwind-virtual-san || starwind-virtual-san --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before v8 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison starwind-virtual-san sudo apt install starwind-virtual-san=<VERSION_BEFORE_v8> sudo apt-mark hold starwind-virtual-san
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list starwind-virtual-san sudo dnf downgrade starwind-virtual-san-<VERSION_BEFORE_v8> sudo dnf versionlock add starwind-virtual-san
Downgrade risk
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
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-2021-20271?

rpm: upgrade to 4.15.1.3, 4.16.1.3; enterprise linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-20271 being exploited?

CVE-2021-20271 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-2021-20271 affect?

CVE-2021-20271 affects rpm, enterprise linux, fedora. Severity is high (CVSS 7.0). A flaw was found in RPM's signature check functionality when reading a package file. This flaw allows an attacker who can convince a victim to install a seemingly verifiable package, whose signature header was modified, to cause RPM databas

How urgent is CVE-2021-20271?

Priority 43/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

References

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