CVE-2026-41651: PackageKit is a a D-Bus abstraction layer that allows the user to manage packages in a secure way using a cros

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HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2026-41651 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting packagekit. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PackageKit is a a D-Bus abstraction layer that allows the user to manage packages in a secure way using a cross-distro, cross-architecture API. PackageKit between and including versions 1.0.2 and 1.3.4 is vulnerable to a time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition on transaction flags that allows unprivileged users to install packages as root and thus leads to a local privilege escalation. This is patched in version 1.3.5. A local unprivil

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 60%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-367
Published	2026-04-22
Last modified	2026-07-15

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: packagekit project

Last updated 2026-07-15 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-04-22 14:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-15 02:21 UTCUpdated Record last modified

packagekit project packagekit UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.0.2 and < 1.3.5

Fixed in: 1.3.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.3.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade packagekit

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 1.0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison packagekit sudo apt install packagekit=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.2> sudo apt-mark hold packagekit

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

dnf --showduplicates list packagekit sudo dnf downgrade packagekit-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.2> sudo dnf versionlock add packagekit

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.

Advisories and coverage

Official advisories

AlmaLinux Errata: [ALSA-2026:19354] Important: PackageKit security update 2026-05-26

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-2026-41651?

packagekit: upgrade to 1.3.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-41651 being exploited?

CVE-2026-41651 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-2026-41651 affect?

CVE-2026-41651 affects packagekit. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). PackageKit is a a D-Bus abstraction layer that allows the user to manage packages in a secure way using a cross-distro, cross-architecture API. PackageKit between and including versions 1.0.2 and 1.3.4 is vulnerable to a time-of-check time-

How urgent is CVE-2026-41651?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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