CVE-2021-45809: GlobalProtect-openconnect versions prior to 1.4.3 are affected by incorrect access control in GPService throug

Q: How do I fix CVE-2021-45809?

globalprotect-openconnect: upgrade to 1.4.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2021-45809 being exploited?

CVE-2021-45809 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-2021-45809 affect?

CVE-2021-45809 affects globalprotect-openconnect. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). GlobalProtect-openconnect versions prior to 1.4.3 are affected by incorrect access control in GPService through DBUS, GUI Application. The way GlobalProtect-Openconnect is set up enables arbitrary users to execute commands as root by submit

Q: How urgent is CVE-2021-45809?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-45809 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting globalprotect-openconnect. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

GlobalProtect-openconnect versions prior to 1.4.3 are affected by incorrect access control in GPService through DBUS, GUI Application. The way GlobalProtect-Openconnect is set up enables arbitrary users to execute commands as root by submitting the `--script=<script>` parameter.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 24%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2022-03-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: globalprotect-openconnect project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-03-22 11:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:14 UTCUpdated Record last modified

globalprotect-openconnect project globalprotect-openconnect UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.4.3

Fixed in: 1.4.3

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy globalprotect-openconnect || rpm -q globalprotect-openconnect || globalprotect-openconnect --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.4.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade globalprotect-openconnect

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade globalprotect-openconnect

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-2021-45809?

globalprotect-openconnect: upgrade to 1.4.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-45809 being exploited?

CVE-2021-45809 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-2021-45809 affect?

CVE-2021-45809 affects globalprotect-openconnect. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). GlobalProtect-openconnect versions prior to 1.4.3 are affected by incorrect access control in GPService through DBUS, GUI Application. The way GlobalProtect-Openconnect is set up enables arbitrary users to execute commands as root by submit

How urgent is CVE-2021-45809?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-45810 HIGH 7.5 MITIGATE GlobalProtect-openconnect versions prior to 2.0.0 (exclusive) are affected by incorrect access control in GPSe

References

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