CVE-2021-20264: oracle openjdk Incorrect Privilege Assignment
Vulnerability summary
CVE-2021-20264 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in oracle openjdk. EPSS estimates a 0.27% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 18% of scored vulnerabilities.
Timeline
- 06-10-2021PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
- 03-08-2024Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.
Description
An insecure modification flaw in the /etc/passwd file was found in the openjdk-1.8 and openjdk-11 containers. This flaw allows an attacker with access to the container to modify the /etc/passwd and escalate their privileges. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to confidentiality, integrity, as well as system availability.
CVSS metrics
2 scores · 1 source · 2 versionsEPSS trend
Probability
0.27%
Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Percentile
18%
Versus all other CVEs
30-day change
0.00 pp
From 0.27% on 18-09-2026
Known exploited
Compare KEV catalogsNot in any of the 3 tracked catalogs.
Public exploits
0 foundNo public exploits indexed.
Weaknesses
CWE · root cause- CWE-266Incorrect Privilege AssignmentA product incorrectly assigns a privilege to a particular actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
- CWE-732Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical ResourceThe product specifies permissions for a security-critical resource in a way that allows that resource to be read or modified by unintended actors.
Affected systems
Oracle1 product
- openjdkEOL1.8.0 | 11
1 vendor · 1 product