CVE-2021-3978: When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the sui

Q: How do I fix CVE-2021-3978?

octorpki: upgrade to 1.4.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2021-3978 being exploited?

CVE-2021-3978 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-2021-3978 affect?

CVE-2021-3978 affects octorpki. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the suid bit set as root. Since the provided service definition defaults to root ( https://github.com/cloudflare/cfrpki/blob/master/packa

Routine

HIGH 7.5UPGRADE

CVE-2021-3978 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting octorpki. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the suid bit set as root. Since the provided service definition defaults to root ( https://github.com/cloudflare/cfrpki/blob/master/package/octorpki.service ) this could allow for a vector, when combined with another vulnerability that causes octorpki to process a malicious TAL file, for a local privilege escalation.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 96%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-269
Published	2025-01-29
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Cloudflare, Inc. · Vendor: cloudflare

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-01-29 10:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:06 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cloudflare octorpki UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.4.2

Fixed in: 1.4.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.4.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade octorpki

Note

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

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-2021-3978?

octorpki: upgrade to 1.4.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-3978 being exploited?

CVE-2021-3978 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-2021-3978 affect?

CVE-2021-3978 affects octorpki. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the suid bit set as root. Since the provided service definition defaults to root ( https://github.com/cloudflare/cfrpki/blob/master/packa

How urgent is CVE-2021-3978?

Priority 27/100. High severity

Software pages

GitHub vulnerabilities · Cloudflare vulnerabilities

References

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