CVE-2021-24038: Due to a bug with management of handles in OVRServiceLauncher.exe, an attacker could expose a privileged proce

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2021-24038 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting desktop. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Due to a bug with management of handles in OVRServiceLauncher.exe, an attacker could expose a privileged process handle to an unprivileged process, leading to local privilege escalation. This issue affects Oculus Desktop versions after 1.39 and prior to 31.1.0.67.507.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 90%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-269
Published	2021-08-19
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Facebook, Inc. · Vendor: oculus

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-08-19 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:39 UTCUpdated Record last modified

oculus desktop UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.39 and < 31.1.0.67.507

Fixed in: 31.1.0.67.507

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.39

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 31.1.0.67.507 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade desktop

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 1.39 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison desktop sudo apt install desktop=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.39> sudo apt-mark hold desktop

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list desktop sudo dnf downgrade desktop-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.39> sudo dnf versionlock add desktop

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-2021-24038?

desktop: upgrade to 31.1.0.67.507. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-24038 being exploited?

CVE-2021-24038 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-2021-24038 affect?

CVE-2021-24038 affects desktop. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Due to a bug with management of handles in OVRServiceLauncher.exe, an attacker could expose a privileged process handle to an unprivileged process, leading to local privilege escalation. This issue affects Oculus Desktop versions after 1.39

How urgent is CVE-2021-24038?

Priority 30/100. High severity

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References

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