CVE-2021-3978

HIGH
Published Jan 29, 2025 Modified Jul 29, 2025 CWE-269

Description

When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the suid bit set as root. Since the provided service definition defaults to root ( https://github.com/cloudflare/cfrpki/blob/master/package/octorpki.service ) this could allow for a vector, when combined with another vulnerability that causes octorpki to process a malicious TAL file, for a local privilege escalation.

Is your site exposed to CVE-2021-3978?

Run a free security scan — no signup, results in seconds.

CVSS v3.1 Score

7.5
HIGH
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-269 CWE-269

Affected Products

Vendor Product
cloudflare octorpki

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-3978? +
When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the suid bit set as root. Since the provided service definition defaults to root ( https://github.com/cloudflare/cfrpki/blob/master/package/octorpki.service ) this could allow for a vector, when combined with another vulnerability that causes octorpki to process a malicious TAL file, for a local privilege escalation. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 (HIGH).
How severe is CVE-2021-3978? +
CVE-2021-3978 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 out of 10, rated HIGH. This is a high-severity vulnerability that should be prioritized for patching.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-3978? +
CVE-2021-3978 affects products from cloudflare, specifically: octorpki. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.
How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2021-3978? +
You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

Related Vulnerabilities

Don't wait for an exploit

Scan your website for vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-3978 — free, no signup required.