CVE-2021-4120: snapd could be made to bypass intended access restrictions through snap content interfaces and layout paths

Published Feb 17, 2022
·
Updated

Last updated 25 August 2025

Other sources

snapd 2.54.2 fails to perform sufficient validation of snap content interface and layout paths, resulting in the ability for snaps to inject arbitrary AppArmor policy rules via malformed content interface and layout declarations and hence escape strict snap confinement. Fixed in snapd versions 2.54.3+18.04, 2.54.3+20.04 and 2.54.3+21.10.1

Launchpad

Affected Software

7 affected componentsFixes available
Canonical snapd<=2.54.2
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=18.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=20.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=21.10
Fedoraproject Fedora=34
Fedoraproject Fedora=35
debian/snapd
2.49-1+deb11u22.57.6-12.68.3-32.71-32.73-3

Event History

Feb 17, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:15 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Feb 24, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·09:07 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·09:09 PM
Description
Feb 27, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·09:11 PM
DescriptionAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-4120?

CVE-2021-4120 is a vulnerability in snapd 2.54.2 that allows snaps to inject arbitrary AppArmor policy rules and escape strict snap confinement.

2

How severe is CVE-2021-4120?

CVE-2021-4120 has a severity rating of 7.8 (high).

3

Which versions of snapd are affected?

Version 2.54.2 of snapd is affected.

4

How can I fix CVE-2021-4120?

To fix CVE-2021-4120, update snapd to version 2.54.3 or higher.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2021-4120?

You can find more information about CVE-2021-4120 at the following references: [Link 1](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/02/18/2), [Link 2](https://bugs.launchpad.net/snapd/+bug/1949368), [Link 3](https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/3QTBN7LLZISXIA4KU4UKDR27Q5PXDS2U/).

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