CVE-2021-25318: A Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource vulnerability in Rancher allows users in the cluster t

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HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2021-25318 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting rancher. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource vulnerability in Rancher allows users in the cluster to modify resources they should not have access to. This issue affects: Rancher versions prior to 2.5.9 ; Rancher versions prior to 2.4.16.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 36%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-732
Published	2021-07-15
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): SUSE · Vendor: rancher

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-07-15 09:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:41 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rancher rancher UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.4.16 · >= 2.5.0 and < 2.5.9

Fixed in: 2.4.16, 2.5.9

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.5.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 2.4.16 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade rancher

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 2.5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rancher sudo apt install rancher=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5.0> sudo apt-mark hold rancher

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

dnf --showduplicates list rancher sudo dnf downgrade rancher-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add rancher

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-2021-25318?

rancher: upgrade to 2.4.16, 2.5.9. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-25318 being exploited?

CVE-2021-25318 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-2021-25318 affect?

CVE-2021-25318 affects rancher. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). A Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource vulnerability in Rancher allows users in the cluster to modify resources they should not have access to. This issue affects: Rancher versions prior to 2.5.9 ; Rancher versions prior to

How urgent is CVE-2021-25318?

Priority 47/100. High severity

Software pages

Rancher vulnerabilities

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References

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