CVE-2021-23827: Keybase Desktop Client before 5.6.0 on Windows and macOS, and before 5.6.1 on Linux, allows an attacker to obt

Q: How do I fix CVE-2021-23827?

keybase: upgrade to 5.6.0; keybase: upgrade to 5.6.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2021-23827 being exploited?

CVE-2021-23827 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-2021-23827 affect?

CVE-2021-23827 affects keybase, keybase. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). Keybase Desktop Client before 5.6.0 on Windows and macOS, and before 5.6.1 on Linux, allows an attacker to obtain potentially sensitive media (such as private pictures) in the Cache and uploadtemps directories. It fails to effectively clear

Q: How urgent is CVE-2021-23827?

Priority 35/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5WATCHLISTUPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-23827 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting keybase, keybase. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Keybase Desktop Client before 5.6.0 on Windows and macOS, and before 5.6.1 on Linux, allows an attacker to obtain potentially sensitive media (such as private pictures) in the Cache and uploadtemps directories. It fails to effectively clear cached pictures, even after deletion via normal methodology within the client, or by utilizing the "Explode message/Explode now" functionality. Local filesystem access is needed by the attacker.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 78%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-312
Published	2021-02-23
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: keybase

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-02-23 00:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:38 UTCUpdated Record last modified

keybase keybase UPGRADE

Affected: < 5.6.0

Fixed in: 5.6.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy keybase || rpm -q keybase || keybase --version

2. UPGRADE to 5.6.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade keybase

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade keybase

Note

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

keybase keybase UPGRADE

Affected: < 5.6.1

Fixed in: 5.6.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

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-2021-23827?

keybase: upgrade to 5.6.0; keybase: upgrade to 5.6.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-23827 being exploited?

CVE-2021-23827 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-2021-23827 affect?

CVE-2021-23827 affects keybase, keybase. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). Keybase Desktop Client before 5.6.0 on Windows and macOS, and before 5.6.1 on Linux, allows an attacker to obtain potentially sensitive media (such as private pictures) in the Cache and uploadtemps directories. It fails to effectively clear

How urgent is CVE-2021-23827?

Priority 35/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities · macOS vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-22779 LOW 3.7 UPGRADE The Keybase Clients for macOS and Windows before version 5.9.0 fails to properly remove exploded messages init
CVE-2021-34426 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE A vulnerability was discovered in the Keybase Client for Windows before version 5.6.0 when a user executed the
CVE-2021-34422 HIGH 7.2 UPGRADE The Keybase Client for Windows before version 5.7.0 contains a path traversal vulnerability when checking the
CVE-2021-34421 LOW 3.7 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE The Keybase Client for Android before version 5.8.0 and the Keybase Client for iOS before version 5.8.0 fails

References

← Back to latest CVEs