CVE-2022-23220: USBView 2.1 before 2.2 allows some local users (e.g., ones logged in via SSH) to execute arbitrary code as roo

Q: How do I fix CVE-2022-23220?

usbview: upgrade to 2.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2022-23220 being exploited?

CVE-2022-23220 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-2022-23220 affect?

CVE-2022-23220 affects usbview. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). USBView 2.1 before 2.2 allows some local users (e.g., ones logged in via SSH) to execute arbitrary code as root because certain Polkit settings (e.g., allow_any=yes) for pkexec disable the authentication requirement. Code execution can, for

Q: How urgent is CVE-2022-23220?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2022-23220 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting usbview. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

USBView 2.1 before 2.2 allows some local users (e.g., ones logged in via SSH) to execute arbitrary code as root because certain Polkit settings (e.g., allow_any=yes) for pkexec disable the authentication requirement. Code execution can, for example, use the --gtk-module option. This affects Ubuntu, Debian, and Gentoo.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 57%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-306
Published	2022-01-21
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: usbview project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-01-21 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:29 UTCUpdated Record last modified

usbview project usbview UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.2

Fixed in: 2.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 2.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade usbview

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-2022-23220?

usbview: upgrade to 2.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-23220 being exploited?

CVE-2022-23220 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-2022-23220 affect?

CVE-2022-23220 affects usbview. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). USBView 2.1 before 2.2 allows some local users (e.g., ones logged in via SSH) to execute arbitrary code as root because certain Polkit settings (e.g., allow_any=yes) for pkexec disable the authentication requirement. Code execution can, for

How urgent is CVE-2022-23220?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Ubuntu vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities

References

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