CVE-2021-23240
CVSS v3
7.8
HIGH
EPSS Score
1.1 %
exploit probability, as of 2026-09-25
CISA KEV
No
known exploited
Exploitation
—
SSVC status
Description
selinux_edit_copy_tfiles in sudoedit in Sudo before 1.9.5 allows a local unprivileged user to gain file ownership and escalate privileges by replacing a temporary file with a symlink to an arbitrary file target. This affects SELinux RBAC support in permissive mode. Machines without SELinux are not vulnerable.
Technical details
- Published
- 2021-01-12
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2021-23240?
selinux_edit_copy_tfiles in sudoedit in Sudo before 1.9.5 allows a local unprivileged user to gain file ownership and escalate privileges by replacing a temporary file with a symlink to an arbitrary file target. This affects SELinux RBAC support in permissive mode. Machines without SELinux are not vulnerable.
Is CVE-2021-23240 actively exploited?
Active exploitation of CVE-2021-23240 has not been confirmed. Its EPSS score was 1.1% on 2026-09-25, the estimated probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What is the CVSS score for CVE-2021-23240?
CVE-2021-23240 has a CVSS v3 base score of 7.8 (HIGH severity).
Is CVE-2021-23240 affecting your environment?
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