CVE-2021-41146: qutebrowser is an open source keyboard-focused browser with a minimal GUI

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HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2021-41146 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting qutebrowser. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

qutebrowser is an open source keyboard-focused browser with a minimal GUI. Starting with qutebrowser v1.7.0, the Windows installer for qutebrowser registers a `qutebrowserurl:` URL handler. With certain applications, opening a specially crafted `qutebrowserurl:...` URL can lead to execution of qutebrowser commands, which in turn allows arbitrary code execution via commands such as `:spawn` or `:debug-pyeval`. Only Windows installs where qutebrows

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	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.5% (top 26%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-77, CWE-88, CWE-641
Published	2021-10-21
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: qutebrowser

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-10-21 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

qutebrowser qutebrowser UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.7.0 · >= 2.0.0 and < 2.4.0

Fixed in: 2.4.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 2.4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade qutebrowser

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 2.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison qutebrowser sudo apt install qutebrowser=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold qutebrowser

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

dnf --showduplicates list qutebrowser sudo dnf downgrade qutebrowser-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add qutebrowser

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-2021-41146?

qutebrowser: upgrade to 2.4.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-41146 being exploited?

CVE-2021-41146 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-2021-41146 affect?

CVE-2021-41146 affects qutebrowser. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). qutebrowser is an open source keyboard-focused browser with a minimal GUI. Starting with qutebrowser v1.7.0, the Windows installer for qutebrowser registers a `qutebrowserurl:` URL handler. With certain applications, opening a specially cra

How urgent is CVE-2021-41146?

Priority 49/100. High severity

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

References

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