CVE-2026-53488: containerd is an open-source container runtime

Routine

HIGH 8.8WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-53488 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting containerd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

containerd is an open-source container runtime. In versions prior to 1.7.33, 2.3.2, 2.2.5, 2.1.9, and 2.0.10 the CRI plugin propagates labels from an image config (LABEL instruction in Dockerfile) to a container without validation. This may result in executing an arbitrary command on the host, via a plugin that consumes container labels for some operations. This issue has been fixed in versions 1.7.33, 2.3.2, 2.2.5, 2.1.9, and 2.0.10.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

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	0.2% (top 93%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2026-07-01
Last modified	2026-07-03

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: linuxfoundation

Last updated 2026-07-03 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-07-01 02:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-03 04:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

linuxfoundation containerd UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.7.0 and < 1.7.33 · >= 2.0.0 and < 2.0.10 · >= 2.1.0 and < 2.1.9 · >= 2.2.0 and < 2.2.5 · >= 2.3.0 and < 2.3.2

Fixed in: 1.7.33, 2.0.10, 2.1.9, 2.2.5, 2.3.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.7.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.7.33 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade containerd

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 1.7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison containerd sudo apt install containerd=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.7.0> sudo apt-mark hold containerd

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

dnf --showduplicates list containerd sudo dnf downgrade containerd-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add containerd

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

Google Cloud Security Bulletins: GCP-2026-051 2026-10-26

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-2026-53488?

containerd: upgrade to 1.7.33, 2.0.10, 2.1.9, 2.2.5, 2.3.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-53488 being exploited?

CVE-2026-53488 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-2026-53488 affect?

CVE-2026-53488 affects containerd. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). containerd is an open-source container runtime. In versions prior to 1.7.33, 2.3.2, 2.2.5, 2.1.9, and 2.0.10 the CRI plugin propagates labels from an image config (LABEL instruction in Dockerfile) to a container without validation. This may

How urgent is CVE-2026-53488?

Priority 38/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

containerd and runc vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-46680 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE containerd is an open-source container runtime
CVE-2026-50195 CRITICAL 9.9 UPGRADE containerd is an open-source container runtime
CVE-2026-47262 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE containerd is an open-source container runtime
CVE-2026-53489 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE containerd is an open-source container runtime
CVE-2026-53492 CRITICAL 9.6 UPGRADE containerd is an open-source container runtime

References

← Back to latest CVEs