PatchTheCVECVE-2021-44731: A race condition existed in the snapd 2.54.2 snap-confine binary when preparing a private mount namespace for
CVE-2021-44731 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting snapd, ubuntu linux, fedora. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
A race condition existed in the snapd 2.54.2 snap-confine binary when preparing a private mount namespace for a snap. This could allow a local attacker to gain root privileges by bind-mounting their own contents inside the snap's private mount namespace and causing snap-confine to execute arbitrary code and hence gain privilege escalation. Fixed in snapd versions 2.54.3+18.04, 2.54.3+20.04 and 2.54.3+21.10.1
Why this priority
- High severity
- Public exploit reference
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.0% (top 39%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-362 |
| Published | 2022-02-17 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2021-44731?
snapd: upgrade to newer than 2.54.2; ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-44731 being exploited?
CVE-2021-44731 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-2021-44731 affect?
CVE-2021-44731 affects snapd, ubuntu linux, fedora. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). A race condition existed in the snapd 2.54.2 snap-confine binary when preparing a private mount namespace for a snap. This could allow a local attacker to gain root privileges by bind-mounting their own contents inside the snap's private mo
How urgent is CVE-2021-44731?
Priority 53/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist
Software pages
Ubuntu vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities
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