CVE-2021-41861: The Telegram application 7.5.0 through 7.8.0 for Android does not properly implement image self-destruction, a

Routine

LOW 3.3UPGRADE

CVE-2021-41861 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.3) affecting telegram. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Telegram application 7.5.0 through 7.8.0 for Android does not properly implement image self-destruction, a different vulnerability than CVE-2019-16248. After approximately two to four uses of the self-destruct feature, there is a misleading UI indication that an image was deleted (on both the sender and recipient sides). The images are still present in the /Storage/Emulated/0/Telegram/Telegram Image/ directory.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.3 (Low)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 74%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2021-10-04
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: telegram

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-10-04 03:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:09 UTCUpdated Record last modified

telegram telegram UPGRADE

Affected: >= 7.5.0 and <= 7.8.0

Fixed in: newer than 7.8.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.5.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 7.8.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade telegram

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 7.5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison telegram sudo apt install telegram=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.5.0> sudo apt-mark hold telegram

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

dnf --showduplicates list telegram sudo dnf downgrade telegram-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add telegram

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-2021-41861?

telegram: upgrade to newer than 7.8.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-41861 being exploited?

CVE-2021-41861 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-2021-41861 affect?

CVE-2021-41861 affects telegram. Severity is low (CVSS 3.3). The Telegram application 7.5.0 through 7.8.0 for Android does not properly implement image self-destruction, a different vulnerability than CVE-2019-16248. After approximately two to four uses of the self-destruct feature, there is a mislea

How urgent is CVE-2021-41861?

Priority 18/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Android vulnerabilities · Telegram vulnerabilities

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References

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