CVE-2026-15060: systemd systemd-machined Improper Access Control

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-15060 is a medium (CVSS 4.7) Improper Access Control vulnerability in systemd systemd-machined. EPSS estimates a 0.08% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 0.1% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 10-08-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 10-08-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

When systemd-machined >= v259 (or v258 with a custom `polkit` policy that allows `register-machine` access) is running on a desktop system, an unprivileged user logged in a desktop graphical session can kill arbitrary processes, even privileged ones. - versions older than v259 are not affected, unless unprivileged access is granted for the `register-machine` polkit action via a local, custom policy config file - versions older than v258 are not affected - unrelated to the systemd service manager (pid 1 or user session managers) - systemd-machined is not typically installed by default, and is typically in an optional, separate package (e.g.: systemd-container) - terminal-only or remote sessions (e.g.: ssh) are not affected

• CWE-284Improper Access ControlThe product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.
• CWE-862Missing AuthorizationThe product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.