Auth bypass in Systemd

CVE-2026-40224

In systemd 259 before 260, there is local privilege escalation in systemd-machined because varlink can be used to reach the root namespace.

Vulnerability class: Broken Access Control

EPSS: 0.000 (2.7th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 6.7 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Systemd — versions 259

Weakness classification (CWE)

CWE-863 — Incorrect Authorization

References

github.com/systemd/systemd/security/advisories/GHSA-6pwp-j5vg-5j6m

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-40224?: CVE-2026-40224 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Systemd, classified under Incorrect Authorization. CVSS score: 6.7/10. Published 2026-04-10.
How severe is CVE-2026-40224?: Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 6.7 out of 10.